It was finally Friday after school. It was difficult trying to survive the rest of the week when it's been a rollercoaster. It felt like I was being put to the test of whether I would blow up or lose it completely. Now I can relax for the weekend. I was currently discussing with the headteacher of the English department about the paper we had to write. I had so much on my mind this past week that I can barely sit down at my desk and write a damn paper on a good book. Daniel continued to parade around Slyvia. I had to constantly lie to Evelyn whenever she would ask about why Sylvia keeps giving me the death stare as if she wanted to burry me six feet under.

Daniel continued to hook up with Sylvia every time I was around and it continued to break my heart each day I saw them together. At one point I had to keep myself from breaking down when Sylvia approached me yesterday while I was sitting at the bleachers since I felt too sick to participate in gym. She had a smug smirk on her face like she just won the lottery as she blabbered on about her and Daniel's relationship. It got to a point where I shouted at her to shut up before running away to the bathroom. Ruby followed after to comfort me.

I wanted to be strong, I didn't want to be weak. That's what's everyone's first impression of me. Everyone acts like I'm fragile and after a while, I started to believe it. I promised myself from yesterday onwards, I wasn't going to let them get to me and I wasn't going to let Daniel confuse me with his actions. I was going to try and have fun today with Fletcher and not think about him. Luckily today I had no tutoring but Mr Turner was going to go back to university to study the rest of his semester. He offered to help me so I agreed but without Daniel coming this time.

"Thank you, sir," I beamed once he was done explaining the assignment question. He nodded.

"You're welcome Harmony, I hope that now you'll be able to finish the assignment without any problems, have a good weekend" he smiled.

"I'm sure I will now, thanks again, you too," I said before running off to the exit.

Everyone had gone home by now. I was going to wait out front on the steps for Fletcher to come pick me up even though I had no idea where he was taking me. I rubbed both my arms since it was getting cold and I idiotically wore short sleeves without a jacket. It was eerily quiet, it wasn't comforting whatsoever. It made me feel like as if I were in a horror movie, waiting for someone to jump out and attack me. I've got to stop watching scary movies with Kylee and Ruby, it's starting to gt to my head. I wanted to listen to some music but I was trying to survive on only ten percent because I had stupidly forgotten to charge my phone the other night. If I use it now, I won't have much battery to call or message anyone later just in case. 

I looked around since it was getting late. My eyes widened when a hand snaked around me, covering my mouth. It happened so quick that I didn't have enough time to scream. The person wrapped their other arm around my waist so tightly that I winced a bit. They then dragged me, walking backwards around the building until we were out of sight from the parking lot. I kicked my legs and tried to pry their hand off my mouth but to avail. When they let me go, they spun me around and shoved me against the brick wall. I winced at the pain that travelled up my back. I fell to the floor and glanced up to see Joseph and Shane grinning at me with a devilish look in their eyes. Oh no, not again. Wasn't the first two encounters enough? I didn't need more crap from them.

"Hello, little girl," Joseph taunted. I felt my heart speed up as my breathing began to pick up. I had no idea what they wanted now. I've done nothing to make them so vicious. If this is because Daniel snapped at them and Ruby and Kylee embarrassed them in front of our peers then this is just sad.

"W-what do you guys want from m-me?" I stuttered out. I cursed myself for practically showing that I was scared. They both laughed, like full belly laugh where they threw their heads back and held their stomach. If only I could slap them to shut those hyenas up.

"We want you to do us a simple favour, that's it darling" Joseph smirked as he leaned down so that his face was directly in front of mine. 

"What favour?" I scowled.

"We're going to need you to stop any contact with Daniel, break his heart if you must, maybe get him to hate you, that would be, perfect" Shane ordered. I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned.

"But I already don't talk to him anymore and he doesn't care about me so I don't get why you're asking of this from me when there's no point," I said. They both rolled their eyes. Joseph grabbed my chin and roughly pulled my head to look into his eyes, his grip tightening. I'm tempted to kick him for that.

"I don't see how he could fall for someone like....well you," he said with disgust. "Of course, he cares about you, he's somehow fallen for you but you see we need to crush those feelings for you." I narrowed my eyes at him. I didn't believe a word these two village idiots say. They have given no impressions that they would say the truth. They seemed like the ones to lie to have some 'fun' and harm others.

"You're lying" I accused. That seemed to provoke Joseph. He then punched me in the stomach. I flinched, my arms flying up to wrap around the spot he had injured. That was easily going to bruise overnight. It can easily be hidden but that doesn't mean I was lucky to be hit or even targeted in the first place.

"Just do as I say princess and we won't hurt you...badly," Shane taunted, his lips curling up into a cruel smirk.

Can I just whack that smirk off his face?

"No, I'm not going to listen to you two of all people, I'm not going to do that just for your satisfaction" I argued. Joseph tsked while shaking his head and Shane snickered. Oh yes, I'm just so hilarious.

"It's funny how Daniel seems to hurt you and break your heart by hanging around that babe Sylvia but you won't do the same by breaking his heart in return," Joseph provoked. I tried to be brave and not let that affect me though inwardly it did at the reminder.

"Nothing you say will make me listen to any of you" I stood my ground. As much as it hurts to still see Daniel around Sylvia and I want to avoid him at all costs, I wasn't going to do it for the sake just because they're threatening me. It would be on my own terms. 

"Joe, what now?" Shane asked his friend. Joseph growled as he roughly pulled my face towards his to the point where our noses were brushing each other. It made me want to gag.

"Personal space" I reminded with a look of disgust. 

"You will do this or else" Joseph sneered.

"Or else what?"

I regret asking that because I found out soon after. He punched me yet again in the stomach but harder this time. I doubled over but since Joseph was still holding my chin, he stopped me by keeping a firm hold with a smirk. There were tears in my eyes but I wouldn't let them fall. He pulled me up by my shoulders so that we were both on our feet and he pinned me against the wall with his hand squeezing my neck. I gasped for air. Shane was glancing back and forth between us with worry in his eyes but Joseph just looked so determined to get me to comply with his orders. 

It didn't take long until Joseph let go making me slouch against the wall. I took deep breaths though it hurt my stomach every time. Joseph then raised his hand and slapped me across the face, my head flying to the right. My hand flew up towards my now stinging and probably red cheek. It was getting harder to keep the tears in. I didn't want to show them how much this hurt. I won't give them that satisfaction. Joseph raised his fist to continue until Shane grabbed his wrist in a hurry. Joseph glared towards him making Shane take a step back and instantly let go.

"What?" Joseph snapped.

"Remember what she said, not to hurt her in obvious places" Shane whispered in a hushed tone but I could hear them clearly. Who could have told ordered them to hurt me? What? Were they getting paid to do someone's dirty work? This was getting ridiculous.

"I don't care, I'll make her comply one way or another" Joseph scowled at me. I didn't want to comply, I hated how they made me feel right now. I have to now hide the fact that I was injured from my mother and my friends. 

"Fine" I mumbled, looking down in defeat and glaring.

"Excuse me? I couldn't hear you speak louder bitch" Joseph smirked. 

"Fine" I spoke louder. I hate that I gave up so easily but I couldn't take any more of this. They made it pretty clear that they weren't going to stop until they got what they were sent for. Maybe it'll be good for me to cut him out of my life though I'll probably have to avoid going to Evelyn's from now on.

"Good girl, I'm glad we've come to an agreement," Joseph said. 

"I hate you both" I muttered. They both laughed it off.

"Just do as we say and it won't be as bad next time ok princess?" Joseph said. Next time? Shit, I thought they would leave me be if I agreed. I didn't need them to continue. I have a life with people in it who will question me if they see that I'm injured. 

"Whatever" I mumbled, rolling my eyes.

They walked away but not without saying, "Oh and we'll be watching you so don't even try to lie to us or back out bitch or we'll find you." As soon as they were out of sight, I slid down the brick wall until I hit the floor. A couple of tears slipped down my cheeks as I curled up, hugging my legs to my chest. It hurt to be in this position. My cheek was still stinging. I need to cover it up before my mother notices and starts panicking. I don't want to go home because of her but I also didn't want to go with Fletcher either. I only wanted to be alone.

I sniffed and wiped my tears away. I got up and decided to walk home before Fletcher could get here. I'll just message him when I get home and make up some excuse as to why I left. I sighed and grabbed my fallen bag at the front of the school. I swung it over my shoulder before walking off home. It looked like it was going to rain but I doubt that it would. The forecast said it was supposed to be cloudy, that's it though I will admit, unfortunately, it felt like the weather was representing my mood at the moment.

When I walked into my house, I noticed that it was completely silent meaning my mother wasn't home. I sighed with relief before heading upstairs, into my room. I dropped my bag and walked into the bathroom. Looking at the mirror now, I can physically see the damage that they inflicted on me. My cheek was completely red in the shape of a hand. I lifted my shirt to see what my stomach looked like and I flinched at the purple bruise starting to form. I dropped my shirt, not wanting to look at myself any longer than I just did. The only good news is that nothing is broken but I was afraid they would since they looked like they were so intent with hurting me to that point. 

I was quick to exit the bathroom, back into my room to text Fletcher. I noticed that he called me five times and he was calling me yet again but my phone was on silent. I declined the call with a frown. It was probably rude of me to decline his call but if I breakdown on the phone then he'll be asking a ton of questions and probably tell Evelyn and I don't need her to get involved in my own problems that I got myself into. I should have listened to her and now I'm paying the price by getting beat up by the people who despise Daniel. It wasn't his fault either though. It wasn't anyone's fault but I wish I had someone to blame other than myself. 

I crawled into bed and picked up my drawing book and pencil from my nightstand that I had left there from the night before. I played some 1920's jazz music from my phone while drawing freely. My peace, however, didn't last long because my phone started buzzing like crazy on my bed. I picked it up, thinking it was Fletcher but when I looked at the ID, I noticed it was Daniel instead calling. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What did he want? Shouldn't he be with Sylvia since I saw him leave with her practically holding onto his arm as if her life depended on it.

I but my bottom lip in hesitation before declining the call. I continued drawing until I heard a knock at the door that leads onto the balcony. I glanced up but my eyes widened when I saw Daniel standing at the door, waiting for me to open it for him. I put my drawing book aside and ran over to the door, throwing it open for him. He strode in but his lip twitched up slightly in a smile but it was gone before I could confirm. I closed the door behind him as he sat on my bed and picked up my drawing book. I rushed to snatch it out of his hands because I was stupidly drawing him again tonight.

I need help, how am I going to avoid him when I can't even get over my own feelings for him?

"Well someone's secretive tonight" Daniel joked.

"What are you doing here Daniel?" I sighed.

"What? Can't I come here to talk to you?" 

"No, not when you were just with your arm candy" I replied bitterly but instantly regretted saying that as soon as the words came out of my mouth. His lips curled up into a smug smirk as my cheeks heated up.

"Was that a hint of jealousy in your voice?" he teased.

"No, of course not" I lied. I'm not good at this, not around him. Daniel threw his head back and laughed. I frowned, crossing my arms. I loved his laugh but it killed me inside to know that I had to cut all connections with him because I was threatened. I didn't even get a say in it. 

"You're cute when you're jealous" he complimented with a grin. I took a deep breath. I could feel my heartbeat start to pick up. 

"What are you really doing here Daniel?" I questioned. He looked hesitant to answer.

"I came to see how everything went with ken doll" Daniel admitted. I smiled. Even when he's being serious, he still finds a way to be slightly humorous as well. As much as I hate him with Sylvia, I enjoyed the little moments like this.

"I didn't see him today actually," I said.

"Why?" he asked. I noticed he looked relieved though I don't know why when he doesn't cry.

"I wasn't feeling up for going out tonight, I just wanted to stay in" I shrugged.

"Is that why you were ignoring Ruby and Kylee's calls?" he questioned, raising one eyebrow. I glanced at my phone. I didn't know that they called, I must have not noticed it but either way, I would have declined their calls or let it go to voicemail. Those two would detect in an instant that I had been crying.

"I didn't notice that they called" I half lied. He went to reply but then he looked at my face and his mouth snapped shut. He narrowed his eyes and got up to quickly head over to me. I backed away until my back hit my desk under my bulletin board. My heart picked up yet again when I noticed how close he was. He was analyzing my face. 

"Who did this?" Daniel demanded, trying to be calm. I tilted my head in confusion. "Your cheek is red and before you can say that it's probably from the heat or some bullshit, I can see the handprint so I want the truth," He told me. 

Damn it! I completely forgot about that!

I avoided his eye contact. I didn't know how to reply without telling him the complete truth of what happened. Daniel cupped my cheek, the one that wasn't imprinted, and tilted my head up to look into his eyes. It was as if he was looking into my soul now and it sent shivers throughout my whole body. I closed my eyes. I couldn't let my feelings get in the way right now of what I had to do. I mean now or never right? I wish it didn't have to come to this but it did. 

"Daniel, it's none of your concern, you should head home and forget about this" I suggested, putting my hands on his chest and pushing him away gently. He took a few steps back. I dropped my arms to my side and looked down.

"What do you mean forget about this? Are you fucking kidding? Someone hurt you" Daniel fumed.

"Listen, I'm a big girl who can handle her own problems such as accidentally hitting myself in the face." Wow, that was a stupid excuse but I guess I'll have to roll with it.

"Bullshit" he spat.

"I don't care, believe whatever you want just get out!" I shouted, pointing towards my bedroom door.

"Why are you acting like this?" Daniel asked.

"Because I realised that it's not worth having you around when all I feel is pain so I'd rather cut you out of my life than to have you around, go back to Sylvia and don't talk to me ever again" I scowled. It was partly true. It was probably for the best though, maybe my heart will stop feeling like it keeps shattering into a million pieces. The look in his eyes, however, made me feel horrible. I could see the hurt in his eyes as he tried to brush it off. He didn't try to hide it this time. But I couldn't let that get to me.

"Fine, if that's how you feel" he replied in a calmly matter. 

He strode towards my bedroom door and exited. As soon as he closed the door behind him, I felt a tear slip down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away, taking a shaky breath. I could feel the tears coming to my eyes again. I'm so sick of crying. When I heard Daniel drive off, I let all emotions out, I didn't hold back. I screamed, picking up my spare notebook on my desk that I use for notes and chucked it at my door, hearing a loud satisfying bang on impact. How did everything go downhill when everything was so perfect at the start?

I guess that's what I get for having hope and high expectations because no matter where I go or what I do, I'll never be fully happy. Something will always be there to ruin me in the end. It's almost like a neverending cycle. I just want this nightmare to end. I want to leave and never come back but what good would that do me? I'll still feel like this in the end again. Now I have to put up with this and avoid Daniel until I figure out a way to get them off my back until I can feel safe again.