"Well?" Ruby demanded.

"Nothing is going on here" I replied nervously as I rubbed my right arm. Her eyes snapped towards Daniel who ignored her demanding glare and went to lie down on his bed.

"Hello?!" Ruby shouted, waving her arms around to get his attention. He rolled his eyes. I looked between the two before going to sneak around Ruby to get out of Daniel's room but she caught me by my elbow to stop me in my tracks. I sighed in defeat. I probably should have seen that coming.

"Really Ruby, don't worry, nothing happened" I reassured her. I turned to glare at Daniel who had a smug smirk. "And nothing will ever happen." His smirk faltered and for a second I thought I saw a flicker of hurt pass his eyes, but it was gone before I could confirm it. He glared back before crossing his arms across his chest. I had to prevent myself from glancing down when his arms flexed at the movement.

"Relax, as if I'd want you, I was only helping, don't overreact, it won't happen again" Daniel scoffed.

I'm going to pretend that didn't hurt as much as it did when it sent a pang to heart. I tried to avoid showing any hint of emotion that would indicate that I was upset or hurt by what he said. I won't let him have the satisfaction of seeing me affected by his words. I took a deep breath and turned away to exit his room, towards Evelyn's with dignity still intact. Ruby was quick on my heels, following behind. She shut the door behind her and frowned. There's that look again, sympathy. I shouldn't complain because at least it means she cares and that I'll have her to talk to but it makes me feel fragile.

All my life I've been treated by Evelyn mainly as if I were some fragile piece of glass, afraid that the littlest thing could break me. I wasn't but it made me feel defenceless having Evelyn answer for me no when I wanted to do something or I wanted to talk to someone just to give them a chance. I think she felt like she had to be there for me because she felt pity. She probably also felt obligated as a friend but I think it was more pity and that's what I always told her to stop doing, treating me as if she were my mother. I don't need pity, to be looked down on as if I were weak. 

I can look after myself. I have been looking after myself for years now, occasionally with the help from my grandmother and mother whenever she wasn't working or fighting/scolding my father. I know I can get through this terrible feeling. I just have to ignore it like I usually do and it'll eventually go away. At least I hope it does, this is the first time I felt heartbroken because of a guy I liked.

Ruby kept asking about whether I was alright or not but I just told her the same thing I've been saying since yesterday, that I was fine. I know that they know it's a blatant lie since it's all I've been doing. She gave up after that and left the room with a pair of Evelyn's clothes. As much as I want to talk to her and admit that I'm not ok, I can't. Even if I do, I'll still feel terrible inside so it's better to conceal and not burden them with my negativity. Maybe, later on, I'll talk to her and Kylee if I feel like it's right but right now, I feel the exact opposite.

I went to shower in the bathroom next to Evelyn's room and Ruby went downstairs to shower in the bathroom next to the staircase. It was relieving to finally have a shower but my thoughts were going to the past two days. So much has happened and I needed a break from reality, a proper one for a couple of days. Maybe I can ask my mother if I could go over to my grandmother's house for the holiday so I can have some time to myself, away from everything here. I can't go over to Evelyn's house, I don't want to see Daniel or any other girls he may bring home with him. I think I just made up my decision for my holiday plans.

"Harmony! What's taking you so long?!" Ruby yelled, pounding on the door.

"I just got distracted! I'll be out in a minute!" I shouted back. 

I quickly finished cleaning my hair before turning the tap off and stepping out of the shower. I dried myself off and changed into black sweatpants with pink and white on each side along with a hoodie that had black and pink on the front and on the sleeves, white and pink. I didn't bother to dry my hair, I wanted to get out of this house as quick as I can. I simply tied my hair into a messy bun and exited the bathroom. I saw Ruby standing off to the side with her phone in her hand, playing something while glaring at her screen and cursing every five seconds.

"Ruby" I called out to get her attention. She jumped, almost dropping her phone. She put it away in her back pocket.

"Finally, I was worried I'd have to go break the door down" Ruby huffed. I rolled my eyes and smiled.

"As if you'd do that," I said.

"Hey, I could!" Ruby defended. She probably would if she was impatient enough but then again, she wouldn't since she would get in trouble considering this wasn't her house. If she were to do that at home, she'd also be dead. 

"Whatever, I'm going to head home, you ok to get home on your own or you need me to walk with you?" I asked.

"Nah, I'm fine on my own but I'll message you tonight to make sure you're alright," she told me.

"Ok mum," I said, sarcastically.

Ruby slapped my arm lightly while I laughed. We hugged each other before Ruby left to head home. I stayed back to quickly look for my phone. I checked Evelyn's room, the kitchen, the living room, the hallways. I purposely avoided Daniel's room because I was afraid he was still in there. When I was looking through the living room again just in case even though I knew it wasn't going to be there, I heard footsteps upstairs as if they were about to descend the stairs. 

Screw it

I made a mad dash out of the house and down the street to my house. I was panting by the time I got to mine with my hands resting on my knees. I straightened up and tried to open the door but realized it was locked. Oh, come on! I left my bag in Daniel's truck. It slipped my mind. First my phone and now my bag with my keys in it. How great is this day going? So lovely. I huffed as collapsed onto the concrete pathway and sat crisscrossed style, resting my chin in the palm of my hands. I was not in the mood to go back and see Daniel. Maybe I'll go back another time when Daniel isn't there but Evelyn is.

I can't wait until the holidays when I can leave for a while to relax. My grandmother lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. There's not much there but as a kid, we'd go there with Evelyn when she'd visit with both her parents. We'd always go to Ray Harral Nature Park and Center to have a family picnic but Evelyn and I would always run off to hang by the bridge. It was always peaceful to be surrounded by nature, especially in fall and winter. All I would feel was serenity. Evelyn would joke and call me Snow White just because I loved the animals that live there.

"You forgot this." 

I yelped when my bag landed in front of me. I looked up to see Daniel glaring down at me. What's he so pissed at? I didn't do anything. Maybe use the shower for too long but that's not something to be angry about. "You didn't have to drop it in front of me" I argued. He rolled his eyes.

"You were spaced out, I tried calling out your name but you just kept staring out onto the road blankly" Daniel explained.

"Well thanks" I muttered as I grabbed my bag. He turned to leave but I stopped him after I realized that I was still missing something. "Wait! Where's my phone?"

"Look in your bag" he mumbled.

He walked off and got into his truck before driving off in the opposite direction of his house. I took a deep breath and opened my bag to see he was right, it was at the bottom. I can't remember where I'd placed it. In fact, I don't think I had it on me when I took my clothes off to take a shower. I tried to rack my brain to the last time I had it on me. Oh no, now I remember. It was in my back pocket but it must have fallen out at some point while I was in Daniel's room. Ugh, I have to stop placing my phone where it can easily slip out. One day I'll end up losing it for good. 

I grabbed my phone and checked to see if I had any missed calls. One from a random number and one from Evelyn, which was ten minutes ago. She also messaged me saying to call her back as soon as possible. I didn't want to call but I knew she'd get suspicious if I didn't. I sighed and reluctantly dialled Evelyn's number, waiting patiently for her to pick up.

"Harmony! Finally! How are you?" Evelyn asked immediately. 

"I'm good-"

"Great! Get dressed we are going out!"

"Evelyn I am not going out on a Tuesday night" I stated sternly. Even if it wasn't a school night I wouldn't go. I don't want to, all I want to do is paint to ease my mind again.

"We are not going to a party or anything, it's just to go get some milkshakes" Evelyn reassured me. I contemplated on going. Maybe I could use some time out to take my mind off Daniel. I needed it and I haven't hung out with Evelyn in a while so might as well today. Even if I said no though, Evelyn would keep trying to persuade me to go until I give in.

"Ok fine, I'll get change now" I complied with a half-smile.

"Woohoo! I'll see you in ten minutes!" Evelyn shouted. I flinched away. Every time! I swear one day Ruby or Evelyn will make me go deaf by their yelling over the phone as if their mouths are right on the speaker.

"See you later" I muttered before hanging up.

I stood up and used my key to open the door to my empty house. I quickly ran upstairs, into my room and changed out of Evelyn's clothes, making sure to put it somewhere where I'll remember it for next time Evelyn is over so I can give it back to her. I wore a yellow button-up spaghetti strap dress that was knee length. I dried my hair before putting it up in a ponytail. I was ready just in time for Evelyn to ring the doorbell repeatedly, indicating that she was getting impatient of waiting for me.

I inhaled deeply and plastered a fake smile across my lips before descending the stairs to open the door for Evelyn. Evelyn grinned, bouncing on the balls of her feet. She hugged me and started squealing. I have no idea what's gotten her in such a good mood but it's good to see her like this. She must be excited to hang out though we were just going to get some milkshakes, nothing special. I didn't know where she was taking me but I know she won't tell me until we get there and I have to read the name out. 

"Time to go," Evelyn said as she grabbed my hand and dragged me towards an unfamiliar car.

Oh no, this is what I was afraid of, random people joining us. I'd be more than happy to talk to others when I was in a good mood but right now, my emotions were holding me back from being social. Evelyn had to push me towards the backseat since I had stopped, frozen with worry. She got into the passenger seat. I opened the door but my eyes widened when I saw an unfamiliar guy. He had a short blowout with tapered side brown hair and crystal blue eyes plus freckles and a sharp jawline that reminded me of Daniel. He was smirking at me with mischievous in his eyes. I ignored him and climbed in since I could tell Evelyn was getting irritated by the way she was drumming her fingers against the dashboard loudly. Keith was the one driving.

"You have some explaining to do Evelyn" I whispered to her when I leaned forward.

She nodded and grinned at me from the side. I leaned back in my seat before slouching. Evelyn blasted the radio out loud the whole way there. I crossed my arms, refusing to show any kind of enjoyment to the song playing. I could feel the guy's gaze on me the whole ride there. I wanted to tell him to stop but me being me, I didn't speak up about it. I should have just stayed home. Now I regret coming. Once we stopped out front of the place, my breathing began to pick up but I didn't pay attention to it. My heart raced as memories again flashed inside my head. It was the arcade where Daniel took me on the first week of school where we snuck in, played around and shared a milkshake together.

Suck it up Harmony! It's nothing

"You are going to love this place!" Evelyn exclaimed giddily. 

"I already don't" I muttered under my breath. Evelyn and Keith walked in front of us hand in hand as me and the stranger walked behind them. The two went to get us some tokens by the counter to play some games before we would go get something to eat at the diner part of the arcade. I was awkwardly standing next to the guy but I kept my distance from him. He was quick to turn to me once the other two were out of sight.

"I'm Fletcher Valentine" he greeted me. That name sounded familiar but I know I've never met him.

"I'm Harmony" I replied. I don't think he needed to know my full name.

"Uh, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl" he flirted with a toothy grin. I didn't feel anything. It made it even more awkward for me because I didn't know how to reply to him. I was hoping it was all in my head that he was flirting and that he was actually just being kind.

"Thanks" I mumbled with my eyes downcasted. After that, we just stood in uncomfortable silence. Evelyn and Keith soon walked up to us, Evelyn wearing an excited grin. When she looked towards me then at Fletcher, she frowned as Keith and Fletcher walked off to play some games.

"Didn't you two get to talk?" Evelyn asked as she tilted her head. I narrowed my eyes at her with suspicion.

"Evelyn, did you invite me out today just so you can get me to meet that guy?" I asked. Evelyn rubbed her arm and looked anywhere but at me. I shook my head and rubbed my temple. Of course, she called me here to meet him. Now I remember why his name was so familiar, it was because he was the guy I was supposed to meet up with the day my mother had to go to the hospital. "Evelyn! I don't need you trying to set me up with the guys you know" I complained.

"Oh come on, you can't be single forever Harmony, you need someone in your life" Evelyn argued. I've never had a boyfriend, that's true, but I don't care, I'm content with being alone. I don't need another mishap and have my heart broken again because I was being naive. I think I'll just let nature take its course and maybe in the future once I have my life on track, I'll find someone who treats me right.

"No Evelyn, I don't, I don't need someone in my life, I'm perfectly happy without a guy" I stated. 

Except for Daniel

"At least give him a try, he may be the one" Evelyn persuaded. I was hesitant as I glanced over at where the boys were playing skee ball. Fletcher was already staring at me. He winked at me but I still felt nothing. I don't know if he'll be 'the one', I highly doubt that but maybe a friend. I looked back at Evelyn. She had wide pleading eyes as she pouted. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"Fine but if I don't like him, you have to promise me you'll stop trying to set me up with your friends ok?" I negotiated. Evelyn squealed and hugged me tightly. I chuckled. 

"I'm fine with that, deal" she agreed before letting me go.

Evelyn grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the boys. I was dreading how the rest of the day would go. Most of the guys I've met and had dates with were set up by Evelyn. They are the reason why I'm hesitant to meet with anymore. None of those dates or meetups good, they ended horribly with them asking if we could go back theirs. Daniel was different when we met. I thought he was the opposite of everything Evelyn ever told me about him. I thought he wasn't like the guys I've been with but that was until he decided to move on to Sylvia after leading me on though it was partly my fault for not listening to Evelyn after she kept warning me.

"You ok babe?" Fletcher asked, pulling me away from my thoughts.

"I'm fine but could you please not call me that" I politely told him.

"Why?" he questioned while tilting his head.

"Because it makes me feel uncomfortable" I admitted. I hated the term 'babe'. Plus we weren't dating, we were friends and friends don't call each other that. It's more for couples. 

"Alright Harmony, whatever you want" he grinned. I smiled to be polite. "Want to play any games?" he asked, looking around. All you could hear is the loud chatter from the crowded arcade and the sound of the machines. I scanned the area. 

"Um, I'm fine with whatever you want to play I guess" I shrugged. Fletcher walked forward to the skee ball game and motioned his head for me to follow. We grabbed the ball each and threw it. I only got 10 whereas Fletcher got 100. I frowned as he cheered.

"I'm no good at this game" I huffed. Fletcher chuckled.

"You only had one go, try again" he encouraged. I picked up the ball and tried again but it went in the same hole. I turned to Fletcher and threw my hands in the air.

"See! Bad at it" I exasperated.

He rolled his eyes with a smile before walking over. I stepped back, confused as to what he was trying to do. He stopped close behind me. And it got even more awkward and uncomfortable between us. He grabbed my hand that held the skee ball and guided my action to throwing it in the 100 hole perfectly. I smiled in victory, finally. I turned around but he was still close. I instantly took a step back in surprise. I thought he would have backed up a bit. He looked into my eyes as he brushed my hair behind my ear. He seemed nice and sweet but I didn't like the little intimate moment of him touching me. Again I wanted to be friends, not a couple.

I went to speak up and tell him to move away but when my eyes landed on familiar black textured crop hair over by the basketball area, I closed my mouth. I cursed in my head. Of course Daniel would be here with Ace, Lukas and Ivy. I just can't seem to get away from him. Wherever I go, he's there even when I'm not in school. Avoiding him is harder then I thought. At least he's not with Sylvia, that's a relief. He was genuinely laughing with his friends by the basketball game. I frowned at the feeling it gave me in my chest. Damn it, curse you, Daniel. Luckily Evelyn hadn't noticed him yet since she was with Keith over by the hockey table. Daniel's gaze landed on me and our eyes connected. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion but I quickly looked away to stare up at Fletcher who was frowning and had his head tilted.

"Are you alright?" he asked with concern. 

"Yeah, just fine, why wouldn't I be?" I lied but my reply came out in a rush.

"Ok, just making sure," Fletcher said though he didn't seem like he believed me but thank god, he dropped the topic. I glanced back at Daniel to see him glaring at Fletcher with hatred in his eyes and his fists clenched at his side as his friends tried to get his attention and calm him down.

Oh no, I'm not ready for anything that's about to happen