By the time Monday came around, I was on high alert. Joseph and Shane kept smirking at me sadistically every time I'd see them in the hallways. I wanted to skip the rest of the day and head home but they were everywhere I was, just a distance away, making sure I don't leave but they never approached. That was only because I was always with Ruby, Kylee and Evelyn. The only good thing was that I didn't see Daniel today and Sylvia was here so that gave me a sense of relief. I'm supposed to go visit Mr Turner at his dorm today, which thank god was only a bus ride away, but I couldn't help but think about what would await for me once school ends.

It was lunchtime and I could feel my heart beating a mile a minute. I bit my bottom lip as I lost focus in the conversation my friends were having. I had to control myself from showing how jittery I was. Joseph winked at me from a table nearby and I wanted nothing more than to spit in his face again. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Ruby, Kylee and Evelyn.

"What's got you so stressed?" Evelyn asked, raising a brow while taking a bite from her fruit salad.

"Assignment for English" I replied. It was partially true but I was almost finished with my paper. Evelyn nodded and changed the subject.

They were talking about a party happening next Saturday at Ace' house while his parents are away for the weekend and his brother will be hanging out with his friends for the night. I'm determined to go but alone. Evelyn, Kylee and Ruby weren't going to go, which made it better. I could let loose and forget about my problems, even if it's just for one night. I didn't want anyone worrying about me and now no one will. It's probably a stupid idea to go because there's always a possibility that something could go wrong, something always does at parties I've been to. 

When the bell rang, I jumped making my friends look at me with concern. I smiled and quickly stood up to walk to my class with Ruby following close behind in a rush. I haven't eaten at all today and it's starting to take a bit of a toll on me. I've barely eaten this past weekend because my fear prevented me from consuming anything. I'd feel sick and light-headed. I shouldn't be feeling like this, so scared of two high school boys with nothing better to do than to beat others up for no reason. Being this way sucked but every time I try to be brave, the fear creeps back in like a snake and I falter, becoming weak again.

"Yes Harmony?" Miss Stone asked when she noticed my raised hand.

"Sorry to interrupt but may I please be excused? I'm feeling quite ill and dizzy" I asked. Miss Stone frowned with concern.

"Oh, well that's terrible to hear, here I'll write you a note so that you won't get in trouble for being out of class," Miss Stone said. While she wrote down on a piece of paper, Ruby turned to me with a similar frown and furrowed eyebrows. 

'What are you playing at?' she mouthed.

'I'll tell you later' I mouthed back. She nodded and left it at that. I grabbed the note from Miss Stone after grabbing my bag and exited. Joseph and Shane couldn't watch me while classes were running so this was my only chance to escape before they could do anything. It's the only solution that won't end up fueling my anxiety.

When I was close to the gym, that was nearby the front entrance, I could hear grunting coming from the area. It piqued my curiosity as to who would be out of class now. They sounded like they were trying to take their anger out on something with every punch they threw judging by the loud echo from an impact inside. I walked up to the doorway and peeked inside. I gasped and quickly moved away from the doorway when I caught sight of Daniel shirtless. I took deep breaths to calm myself down before glancing inside again. I thought he had skipped school. Why was he here when he could go home? Unless he actually needed to, for some reason, take his anger out since he was violently throwing punches at the punching bag they had at one end of the gym. It looked like it was about to come off its hinges. 

I just kept staring as if I were in a trance, watching the sweat travel down his abs. It took me a couple of minutes to snap out of my dazed state. I had to get out of here before he catches me staring like a damn creep. I tried to take silent steps back but since I'm so lucky, my converse decided at this moment to squeak against the shiny clean floor and echo through the hallway. I cursed under my breath. I should have been more careful. His deep breathing was the only sound coming from inside now. I could hear him taking off the boxing gloves he had on. 

As soon as I heard his footsteps heading my way, I snapped out of my frozen composure and quickly spun around to make a dash towards the opposite direction of the exit since if I went the other way, Daniel would see me go by the doorway. I ran into the girl's bathroom and locked the door. I rested my forehead against the door, panting. It was silent, not a single noise of anyone walking or running down the hall to chase me. Thank god he didn't notice me. I'll have to wait for a couple of minutes until it was ok to leave. 

I opened the door to peek outside so I could check if it was all clear. I grinned at the empty hallway. I ran out of the bathroom to the emergency exit that would lead to the back, away from the gym where Daniel was. I walked out of the emergency exit and headed around to the front. It was a relief to know that I managed to avoid Joseph, Shane and Daniel. But I guess I spoke too soon because I heard my name being called out when I got halfway across the parking lot. I stopped to turn around with wide eyes at Daniel standing at the bottom of the steps.

He was just leaning against the railing, with a lit cigarette in his right hand and a smirk across his lips. At least he put on a tank top this time, instead of staying bare or else I wouldn't have been able to focus properly and I would have embarrassed myself. Daniel took one last drag from his cigarette before chucking it on the ground and stomping on it. He then took long strides until he was in front of me. I probably should have run but it was like as if my feet were planted onto the ground. Daniel glanced at me up and down while I looked away from his wandering eyes, shuffling my bag further up onto my shoulder.

"Going somewhere miss trouble?" Daniel teased. 

"That's none of your business" I mumbled.

"Aren't you supposed to be inside being a good student?" he questioned. I rolled my eyes. 

I think I kind of gave up on that image. People see me as the good student though I've probably skipped way more than I should have and got into more trouble with other students than I have ever in my life. People still expect that of me, to be the good innocent student. I know Evelyn does but it's getting hard to keep up with others expectations of me when I don't want to be what they want me to be.

"Aren't you supposed to be anywhere but here?" I retorted. He laughed.

"Touché" he nodded. His eyes narrowed slightly above my chest.

"What are you-?"

"Are you still wearing the necklace I gave you for your birthday?"

My head snapped down to glance at the necklace I had on. I've been wearing it ever since he gave it to me. I didn't want to leave it at home. I looked up at Daniel, who was smirking in amusement. I tilted my head. I don't get what was so interesting about the fact that I was wearing this necklace until it hit me. It must be because I said I wanted nothing to do with him. And now I'm wearing the necklace he gave me that is significant to me and that he engraved. That's probably sending mixed messages, I should have left it at home.

"I'm only wearing this because it looks nice" I lied. 

"Bullshit" Daniel muttered. I bit my bottom lip. I wanted to tell him everything right then and there but when I shifted my eyes to look behind him, I saw Joseph and Shane sitting on the front steps, glaring at me from a distance. I clamped my mouth shut and all thoughts of admitting anything went out the window. I need to get out of here quick.

"What do you want me to say, Daniel? Because this has no meaning behind it other then what I said and that's the truth, now please just leave me alone" I pleaded. I turned on my heel to leave but Daniel was quick to run around and stand in front of me.

"Are you seriously still going to stay away from me?" he asked. I could tell he didn't believe me. I wouldn't either when I'm not really putting much of an effort to avoid him.  

"Yeah, I am" I replied with downcasted eyes. Daniel glanced behind me before looking back at me with narrowed eyes.

"If those two dumbasses have anything to do with this, just tell me and I'll make them stop" Daniel offered. His fists were clenched and I had a feeling that whatever my answer was, it wouldn't matter because he would still hurt them. I wanted to take him up on that offer though and let him but I couldn't. I could still feel their eyes on my back. Can't they stare somewhere else rather than making it obvious? Idiots.

"They don't have anything to do with this, I'm just sick of you being nice to me and pitying me, making me think we are close like we were before but then going to Sylvia and parading her around me like some trophy, I can't take you being confusing anymore Daniel, I'm done" 

I'll admit, part of that was true. I was sick of seeing them two together around me then, later on, he makes a 360 to being nice and protective. It's playing with my feelings and constantly making me confused. When Daniel opened his mouth to argue with me, I was quick to sidestep him and run for the bus that had come to a stop behind him. I couldn't bring myself to listen to what he had to say because I know if I did, I'd cave in and tell him the full truth. 

Once I was inside, I sighed with relief. I sat at the front seat and rest my head against the window. I closed my eyes to get some rest. I jumped when I heard my phone ring. I took it out and saw that it was an unknown number. I frowned, declining the call and putting my phone away back in my pocket after switching it to silent. It rang again but I didn't bother to take it out again since it was probably the same anonymous number.

By the time the bust stopped in front of my house, I noticed that my phone had rung about seven times. I was looking through my bag for my keys as I walked up to my door until I bumped into something hard yet firm. I stumbled back and wiggled my nose since it stung a bit from colliding with whatever it was. I looked up and my eyes widened at Fletcher standing in front of me. He looked down at me with worry evident in his eyes and a frown upon his lips. I took a step back further and he seemed to notice. He appeared dejected.

"Are you upset with me by any chance?" He asked.

"No, I'm just-you kind of.....shocked me by turning up here out of the blue" I sputtered out. He rubbed the back of his neck and gave me a sheepish grin.

"Yeah sorry about that, I tried to call you from my friend's phone since I stupidly dropped mine and broke it so now I'm waiting for it to be repaired" he explained. Well, now I know why it came up as an unknown number. I had added his contact info into my phone after he called me the first time after we met. "I was going to wait until you came back, Evelyn pointed out your location, I hope you don't mind" he added. Damn it, Evelyn. I hope this doesn't become a common thing where she hands out my address to other guys. My house is my personal haven and I'd like to keep it that way.

"No, not at all" I forced a smile.

"You dishevelled, are you ok?" he asked after giving me a once over. I looked down at myself. I don't think my clothes or hair looked out of place. I don't know whether to take offence to that or not. I decided to ignore his comment.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, rubbing my right arm and staring off in the opposite direction, away from him.

"Are you sure? You won't even look me in the eyes" Fletcher pointed out.

"I said I'm fine" I snapped. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves down. I was starting to get a bit on edge. Too many people knew my address and I didn't want any more unexpected visitors like Joseph and Shane who knew where I lived. "Sorry, today is just a crazy day," I apologised calmly. 

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked. 

"Uh, no, sorry, I don't feel like talking" I declined his offer.

I didn't want to be rude but I just didn't want to talk about anything that's going on with my life with Fletcher since I don't know him very well. That and he's friends with Evelyn so if I tell him about Daniel, there's a chance that he'll go tell her everything. I can barely handle what I'm going through now, adding a furious Evelyn to the mix will just overdo it and make me go crazy or breakdown altogether. I love Evelyn, she's like my sister but even I need a break from her constant worry induced lectures about Daniel. I learnt the hard way and I don't need to hear anything else. I just want to move on but my mind and heart won't let me, not even with Fletcher. 

"How about we go out now for some milkshakes?" he suggested with an encouraging smile. 

"I'm sorry but I have to be somewhere so I have to get dressed and go" I declined. His mood faltered and he seemed a little pissed but he took a deep breath and grinned to cover up his emotions.

"What about this Saturday? You owe me" he offered. I was hesitant to agree but I guess there's no harm in hanging out with him but as friends and nothing more. I smiled and nodded up at him.

"Sure" I accepted.

"Great, it's a date" Fletcher beamed.

"Not a date, just friends hanging out" I quickly corrected him.

"Right" he winked.

I rolled my eyes as he chuckled. Fletcher bid me goodbye as he left to get into his car and drive off. I hope that he doesn't get the wrong impression. I was serious about it not being a date. I entered my house and quickly headed to my room to change so I could go meet Wesley. I packed my small dark green bag I use for when I go out after changing into black denim dungaree dress with a white short-sleeved shirt underneath. I tied my hair into a ponytail and grabbed my phone. 

I ran downstairs and out the door but I didn't get far, only two steps until I bumped into a toned chest. I stumbled back but rough hands grabbed onto my hips to stop me from falling. I looked up to thank the person but again I was shocked at Daniel standing in front of my house this time. I thought he would of for sure left me alone after what I said to him. I don't get why he's standing in front of my house. It's dangerous when Joseph and Shane could show up at any minute to bother and threaten me.

"What are you doing here?" I voiced my thoughts.

"I'm here to pick you up so we can go to our tutoring lesson" Daniel replied with a shrug.

"Excuse me? Why are you going? You don't need help, you're passing all your classes with flying colours" I questioned with a little bit of sass while putting my right hand on my hip and raising a brow. 

"You didn't think I was going to leave you alone with that guy, did you?" he chuckled. This wasn't funny.

"Actually yes, yes I did think you would leave me alone with him because you don't need help and I don't need your protection either" I replied. 

"Yeah well I couldn't give two shits whether I need tutoring or not, I'm not leaving you alone with that bastard," Daniel said sternly. "Now move your cute ass to the truck and let's go" he teased, motioning his head to his truck with a grin.

When he turned around and walked to his truck, I couldn't help but smile and shake my head. There was no one here to stop me so I guess there was no harm in catching a ride instead of the bus. I quickly ran to catch up to him and hopped into the truck before he drove off to Wesley's college. Daniel began tapping his hand against the car window seal and bobbing his head to the rock music that was playing. He started singing along to the lyrics and I found myself watching him, amused. I loved his husky voice, I could listen to him sing all day. I wonder if he's ever played in Thomas' band before. That would be so hot.

Daniel soon pulled up into the parking lot of the dorm rooms where Wesley was staying. He was standing out front with a smile on his face. He walked up to us as we got out of the car. He looked at Daniel standing close by my side then back at me. He extended his hand for a handshake and I know it's because he didn't want to piss Daniel off. Before I could shake his hand to greet him, Daniel did it for me instead all while narrowing his eyes at him. Wesley looked like he was in pain from his strong and tight hold.

"Daniel! Let him go!" I ordered. Daniel huffed in annoyance but let his hand go nonetheless. "I'm sorry about him, I told him he shouldn't tag along." Wesley smiled.

"It's ok, really, I understand that your boyfriend is overprotective of you" he reassured me. My eyes widened as Daniel smirked in amusement. 

"Oh he's not my-"

"You're right, I am very overprotective of my girlfriend here, she's everything to me" Daniel blatantly lied while putting his arm around my shoulder and pulling me close to his side. I inwardly rolled my eyes.

"Well I promise I won't keep you two for long, let's go inside," Wesley said before turning around and walking inside the building. Daniel kept his arm around me as he led me inside.

"You are so dead when this is over Daniel" I hissed quietly with a glare.

"As if, you love me too much" Daniel whispered back. I whacked his toned stomach but Daniel just laughed. As we walked to the dining area, people who were in the hallway were staring at us. 

"I hope this finishes quickly, I feel uncomfortable around all these college students eyeing us" I muttered while unintentionally moving closer to Daniel. He squeezed my shoulder to comfort me and glared at anyone who looked in our direction.

"They can all fuck off," he said a little too loudly so that the people staring could hear him. They immediately turned away from his hatred gaze.

"Thanks" I smiled. He returned the gesture. We sat down in front of Wesley and I unpacked my stuff to get started on our lesson for the day.