I regret coming to school today. I thought I would be fine but I should have known that was a lie I told myself yesterday. The sight of Sylvia sticking her tongue down Daniel's throat right by my locker, almost suffocating him from what it looked like made me want to scream. It was disgusting. I felt uneasy in my stomach as if I were sick. I wanted to do something but I was frozen in my place. Ruby was quick though to diverge me away from the scene while Kylee was quick to pull Sylvia's hair and run off to catch up with us. Ruby snickered as they both high fived. 

My mind was running all over the place. If this was how it was going to be almost every day then it's going to be difficult to forget about him and move on when he's constantly in my line of vision. It's like he's doing this on purpose just to toy with me because he knows about my feelings. It's cruel if he is. I've done nothing to make him target me with his games of one day flirting and being overprotective and the next ignoring me to be around Sylvia again. It's a game I can't win nor do I want to play. 

I wish I could talk to Evelyn about this because I know she would be able to help me, that and she wouldn't leave my side. It feels like I'm overreacting but Ruby tells me I'm not and Kylee tells me that it's ok to overreact, that I should go ahead and let my emotions run wild and by that she means to act on them. But I'm guessing she's talking to the part of me that's furious and wants to get back at them by doing something. That part of me wanted to slap Sylvia across her orange fake-tanned face that looked uneven all over. I shouldn't be thinking like that and I wasn't going to do anything. I was going to still try to ignore them as best I can and pretend that whatever they do doesn't faze me. 

"Harmony? You ok?" I looked over at Ruby, who was sitting next to me in English class with Mr Turner. 

"I'm fine, really, let's just focus on this book that we're going to write a paper on" I reassured her with a smile.

Ruby sighed but nodded nonetheless. We both shared the one book between us. It was 'Sense And Sensibility' by Jane Austin since we had finished the previous one yesterday. We were going to be doing a paper on this book, which would be due before the Christmas break and was going to be worth 40% of our grades. I was going to try and do this by myself without Mr Turner's help. I wanted to pass this class on my own and be able to stop the tutoring lessons with Mr Turner. He's nice and all but I just don't want to be near Daniel if he's going to be there every Monday and Friday.

Yesterday was bad enough when he embarrassed me in front of Mr Turner. I get distracted by him just being near me. I huffed, scowling at the book in frustration. I shouldn't be thinking about him. I should be focusing on the book, a book that I love. I have read it multiple times but it doesn't hurt to read it again but this time I'm finding it difficult to concentrate on the words I'm reading. The fact that Daniel didn't attend this class today is making my thoughts go into overdrive about where he was and if he was with her or not.

"Harmony? The bell rang, time for lunch, are you sure you're ok?" Ruby asked, bringing me back to reality.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine, just in my own little world" I said, collecting my books and my bag before exiting the classroom with her. Ruby frowned towards me. I could see the doubt evident in her eyes. "I'm serious Ruby, if I wasn't ok, you'd know."

It's only been more than two months since we became friends but she, along with Kylee, both knew me very well. They could spot when I'm faking my emotions. It's scary how well they could tell when I'm lying or putting up a mask in front of them and others. Even Evelyn couldn't tell when I was faking or lying. When Ruby sighed and shook her head, I knew she didn't believe me. She went to reply but next thing I know, we are drenched with dark blue paint as a chorus of laughter rang throughout the hallway. 

I had to keep my mouth shut. I did not need to be eating any paint. Thank god I was still wearing my glasses or that would have gotten in my eyes. I took my glasses off to wipe the paint off but instantly noticed the familiar two guys from last night standing there with an empty paint bucket in both of their hands and a smirk plastered across their lips. This was not funny nor amusing. It was immature and stupid. 

"What the fuck!?" Ruby snapped. She was completely seething while I was still standing there, frozen, unable to move, while looking down at the paint that covered me completely, no spot left clear. This gave me flashback to the night of Ruby's Halloween party when I was pelted with eggs and slime. Now it was paint. What was next? Soda? At this point, I wouldn't be surprised but I would be annoyed. It was getting ridiculous and repetitive. 

"You two had it coming bitch," the one with the messy curls said smugly. Ruby growled and clenched her fists by her sides.

"And what if I had gone blind from the paint you threw you dumb fucks huh Joseph?!" she raged. The guy that had previously spoken, now known as Joseph, narrowed his eyes at her.

"Never call me Joseph again, it's Joe bitch" he spat. Ruby gave him the middle finger.

"Shove it right up your ass Joseph, you're still a piece of shit, along with your friend Shane, the snickering clown" she sneered.

"What the fuck is going on here!?" 

A shiver ran down my back at the voice that boomed. It made the crowd surrounding us shrink back, even the two guys. Ruby glanced at me with wide eyes. I wanted to make a mad dash for the door when I felt the familiar warmth behind me making it known that he was way too close than I wanted since it still made my heart skip a beat. I unintentionally took a step back into Daniel's chest but immediately took a step forward after noticing my slip up. Everyone was avoiding any eye contact with him.

"I said what the fuck is going on here?" Daniel repeated more calmly now, taking deep breaths. It was probably dangerous that he was pretending to be calm. I'm pretty sure he was ready to fight. He pulled me back by my waist to stand behind him. Ruby was gaping at us like a fish with her mouth parted. Kylee had managed to push her way to the front of the crowd, looking at the scene with wide eyes. I don't know where Evelyn was but I'm glad she wasn't here to witness this drama playing out.

"H-he made me d-do it, Daniel" the one named Shane stuttered out while pointing at Joseph. Joseph glared at him. He was quick to rat his friend out. He can light fireworks in front of my house and throw paint at us while acting tough but as soon as they catch sight of Daniel, they squeal and back down. They were almost the same built. 

"Bullshit! It was both our idea idiot!" Joseph scowled. He jumped back when he heard Daniel growl.

"So you both did this to them?" Daniel asked but I'm pretty sure he knew the obvious answer.

"No?" Shane replied but it sounded more like a question. 

Daniel took a step forward but I reached out to grab his arm, stopping him. I think it's about time I step in. I could tell a fight was about to break out and I needed to prevent that. As much as I hated Daniel for what he did, I still didn't want him to get hurt or in trouble. I know about the bruises on his body. I don't know if they've healed but he didn't need any more from fights. He glanced over his shoulder at me with a frown and furrowed eyebrows. I tugged his arm and motioned my head in the opposite direction from the two.

"Don't do this Daniel, you'll get in trouble, it's not worth it, especially for me" I pleaded softly. Daniel's eyes softened for a second before turning to Joseph and Shane again and giving them a hard stare.

"You better thank her for stopping me or you'd be dead by now" he growled. Daniel turned to walk away and I did the same but we were stopped by Kylee's voice.

"You may not be able to beat these assholes up but I can."

We turned around just in time to see Kylee punch Joseph across the face making him lose his balance and collide with the floor. He spat out some blood. I cringed at the sight as Daniel smirked with satisfaction. Just when Shane went to retaliate against Kylee, Ruby was quick to interrupt by grabbing him and kneeing him in a place where no man wants to be hit. There was a chorus of 'oh's' while a couple of people flinched, especially the guys. 

"Don't ever try that again, got it?" Ruby said in a threatening tone as she held Shane by his shirt in her fist. He simply stared at her with wide eyes. 

"She asked you a question!" Kylee fumed. 

"Ok! Ok! We'll stay away, we promise, right Joseph?" Shane sputtered out, glancing over at Joseph who was on the floor, holding himself up on his elbow and rubbing his red cheek. He glared up at Kylee and she held his stare with her own. She crossed her arms. "Joseph!" Shane hissed. Joseph huffed and rolled his eyes.

"Fine, you win" he grumbled.

"That's more like it" Kylee approved with a smug smile. 

"Oh, by the way, I feel embarrassed for you two, so quick to back down, I knew you guys were weak" Ruby smirked.

They were rushed forward towards me to push me forward and away from Daniel, towards the girl's bathroom. Ruby slammed the door shut and locked it as Kylee led me to the sink to help wash the paint off my face. She dabbed the wet tissue on my skin. I would still need to go home to shower even though we had half the day left. Ruby suggested showering in the girl's locker room out by the field where we do P.E but I had no clothes other than the ones I'm wearing. I'll just skip the rest of the day to go home and shower. My mother will be at work so she won't be home to see me so dishevelled. 

I sighed and decided to wash my face off by myself this time as Ruby copied. Kylee leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and one leg propped up. Someone knocked rapidly on the bathroom door but I ignored it and continued to dab my face with tissues as Kylee went over to open the door. My eyes widened when I saw from the reflection Daniel standing at the entrance. I spun around, making eye contact with him. My heart pounded in my chest. He still has an effect over me. He motioned his head behind him but I shook my head. I refuse to go with him, I wasn't going to follow and it's not just because I don't trust myself around him.

"Do you want my help or do you want to stay here covered in paint?" Daniel asked with an emotionless expression.

"Hey! What about me? I'm covered in paint too" Ruby argued, putting one hand on her hip. Daniel rolled his eyes.

"I'll go but they have to come with me" I reasoned while motioning my head towards both Kylee and Ruby. 

"Fine" Daniel grumbled. 

"Yes!" Ruby exclaimed with a wide toothy grin of excitement.

"I'm good, I think I'm going to go visit Axel," Kylee said.

"Are you sure?" I asked as I frowned and tilted my head.

"I'm sure, just make sure to call me later tonight, ok?" she reassured me with a small smile. I nodded and returned the gesture.

She followed us to the exit and bid her farewell. Luckily we left unnoticed by any roaming teachers. I argued with Daniel about getting in his truck since I was afraid to get paint all over his seat. Ruby, however, didn't care as she climbed into the back of the truck and lied down to face the clear blue sky with closed eyes. She looked way too relaxed at the moment. Daniel huffed in defeat and grabbed his jacket from the back next to Ruby to put on the passenger seat. I grinned in victory before getting in while he followed.

Ruby leaned in through the little window behind us and tried to mess with the radio while Daniel groaned in frustration. She had put it on a station that was playing country music. I knew country music wasn't Ruby's cup of tea but she'll still listen to it. I'm guessing though she put it on now to annoy Daniel considering how annoyed he looked. He was scowling at the road, clenching the steering wheel tight as Ruby sang loudly off-pitch. I inwardly cringed at her singing. I know she does this to annoy people around her for fun but maybe she should turn it down a bit with how often she does it and for how long. 

"Would you shut up!" Daniel snapped.

"Hm? Nah, don't want to" Ruby smirked.

I rolled my eyes as they both started to bicker the whole way back to Daniel's house. I stayed on the doormat while Daniel and Ruby entered the house. I was slightly terrified about whether Evelyn was home or not. She'd kill the guys that did this, and then kill me after for willing coming with him here. I'm glad that Ruby was able to come with us. At least she can make sure that Daniel and I don't get close to each other. 

"You can enter you know?" Daniel said, raising a brow in amusement. I ignored his stare and walked inside, following him upstairs to his room with Ruby behind me. I was going to wait in the hallway for Daniel to hand me a towel but Ruby went to follow him inside. She was stopped when he stuck his arm out. "You can't enter" he declared, motioning his head towards Ruby. Ruby glared and put one hand on her hip.

"Well, And here I thought I would be able to see the great Daniel Martinez's room!" Ruby exclaimed dramatically. She then paused and glanced at me and Daniel. "Wait did you just say I can't enter? As in only she can?"

Why did she have to ask that? I wasn't going to go into his room anyway. There was no need, I just needed a towel but as for clothes, I can borrow Evelyn's. Ruby was just curious to see his room. I've seen his room a couple of times, it's not bad or messy, it was normal so I don't know why she was so curious. My mind decided to then think back to when I helped Daniel paint his room when he first moved into Evelyn's house. I frowned at the memory. I wish I could go back then when we would hang out every day and laugh. Now I'm trying, and failing, to avoid Daniel when he keeps showing up. 

"Yes, that's exactly what it means" Daniel shrugged. 

"She stays out here with me, you don't get to be alone with her, not after the shit you pulled yesterday Mr" Ruby stated sternly.

I mentally thanked Ruby. Daniel glared at Ruby but she stood her ground, glaring back. I glanced at them back and forth. I really just wanted to shower and change. Maybe I should sneak off to Evelyn's room to grab the clothes and forget about the clothes. Or I could sneak out of here to go home instead so I don't have to stay in this awkward situation. I turned to leave but I was grabbed by my forearm and pulled back into Daniel's room. He slammed the door shut behind me and locked it before Ruby could utter a word in protest. I narrowed my eyes at him as he rummaged through his closet.

"What the hell Daniel? Let me out" I demanded.

"Nope, we need to talk first before anything" he stated as he chucked a white short-sleeved shirt onto his bed. I huffed in annoyance. 

I'd rather not talk about anything, especially about what just happened at school. I prefer to forget about it. I wouldn't know what to say. I don't know why they targeted me but I'm sure they should stop after what happened with Daniel, Ruby and Kylee today. I've done absolutely nothing to them so they have no reason to in the first place. Daniel ignored my annoyed expression as he sat on his chair by his desk. I could hear Ruby in the background shouting but it was muffled against the closed door so you could barely make out anything she was saying other than curse words.

"There's nothing to talk about Daniel now let me out so I can shower and change" I ordered. The paint had now dried against my skin. It felt uncomfortable. I usually get paint on myself but that's only on my hands and slightly on my arms but not all over. I probably looked like a damn smurf.

"I don't think I will, not until you tell me why the fuck those two dumbasses decided to mess with you today?" Daniel demanded. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"Do I look like I know why?" I asked rhetorically. 

"You have no idea why?" he inquired.

"No Daniel I don't, why do you even care anyway?" I questioned with a raised brow. He just shrugged. Of course, no answer. "Are we done then?"

"No" he replied.

"Daniel!" I whined, stomping my foot. I probably looked childish right now but he was prolonging my time that I could be using to go take a shower and wash this paint off me. I looked up when I heard his deep laughter. It would usually have my heart beating rapidly. It still does, unfortunately. I wanted to condemn myself for reacting like that. 

Stupid feelings 

"You are still cute when you're trying to be mad" he complimented. I looked down to avoid eye contact. My cheeks turned a tinted shade of pink. 

"Don't call me that" I muttered.

"What? Cute?" Daniel questioned but sounding amused. I nodded in reply even though he already knew my answer. It was a rhetorical question. When I felt his hot breath against my cheek, I jumped back, my back hitting the wall as I looked up to see that he had moved from his spot on his chair to stand way too close in front of me. If my heart wasn't already beating fast before, it definitely is now.

Damn you, Daniel

"Don't do anything you'll regret Daniel" I warned. I didn't need a repeat of what happened last Saturday just for the moment to be ruined by seeing him with Sylvia the next time I see him.

"I'll take my chances" he shrugged nonchalantly. I gulped and went to move away from him but he pinned my wrists against the wall. I cursed myself for not being quick enough. Now I'm screwed.

"Don't you dare try anything, I mean it," I said sternly. 

My eyes were wide as he leaned in. A mischievous smirk crossed his lips. He held my gaze as his lips brush against mine. Before he could do anything, the door beside us burst open as Ruby entered holding a bobby pin in her hand with a victory smile on her face. "Finally! It took me forever to find this in Evelyn's messy draws!" Ruby exclaimed. I was quick to gather my strengths and push him away from me so that Ruby wouldn't see but it was too late. Her eyes landed on us before I got him to step away. Daniel kept staring at me. Ruby's eyes widened as she dropped the bobby pin onto the floor. I looked down, using my hair to cover my face.

3, 2, 1...... 

"What the fuck is going on here?"