It was Friday and there was nothing I wanted to do more than to retreat into a shell and disappear from my peer's eyes. I wanted a black hole to swallow me whole because of how embarrassed I felt right now. The morning started off great. Yesterday Joseph and Shane didn't bother me and today they didn't approach me. I got to discuss with Miss Stone about my portfolio and how after next week I'd have my artwork done to give to her. Kylee and I talked about next Saturday and how she would be the one to get ready at mine before we'd go together in a taxi so that none of us would have to be the designated driver. 

And now it was currently our lunch break. We decided to stupidly sit in the cafeteria today but now I regret it. It's not even because of Daniel and Sylvia since she seemed to not be with Daniel, she hasn't been around him since last Friday. Fletcher is the cause of the attention I was getting. He thought that it was a great idea to send a bouquet of red roses to my school and have the delivery man announce the note to everyone in the cafeteria so that they can stare at me and whisper to each other about the situation going on. 

"I hope you enjoy these roses, I'm excited to go out with you tonight and to prove to you that I can be more than a friend because I plan to make you my girlfriend by the end of the night. From Fletcher, to-"

I covered my face, my cheeks heating up. I wanted to run out of here, away from the judging stares and all the snickering. It was getting to my head. They can not find out that this was for me. Evelyn was gushing at this but Kylee was cringing and so was Ruby. Ruby looked at me and I mouthed 'help'. She nodded and got up to rush over to the delivery man who held the roses. She was quick to snatch the roses out of his hand, stopping him from finishing the note and saying my name. She then put the roses down and snatched the note out of his hand too before tearing it in half with a smile. She turned to look at everyone who was now staring at her.

"Sorry guys! That was for me! Just some crazy ex! What can I say?" Ruby shrugged. 

Some rolled their eyes while others turned away, suddenly not interested anymore. I sighed with relief and smiled. I was grateful that Ruby did that to help me get out of the embarrassing situation Fletcher got me into. I did not need anyone mocking me for it. Ruby looked at me as if asking what to do with the roses in her hands. I shook my head, I didn't want them. She nodded, understanding me. Ruby chucked the roses into the bin before walking back to us and sitting next to me. Evelyn stared at Ruby with her mouth agape and her eyes wide. Kylee high fived Ruby and I thanked her for covering for me.

"Why did you do that for?" Evelyn demanded.

"What do you mean why? She was embarrassed" Ruby defended.

"I was, I didn't like the fact that he read the note out in front of everyone, the gesture is nice but I just don't want it, I don't like him like that and I'm not going to force myself to either" I explained. 

"But he'll be good for you!" Evelyn whined.

"Evelyn, please just respect my decision, I don't want to date him" I pleaded. Evelyn sighed and nodded.

"Ok fine," she said in defeat. 

I was relieved when the bell rang for class. Ruby and I quickly left the cafeteria to go to chemistry class. Throughout the whole lesson, all I could think about was the note that Fletcher had gotten delivered for me with the roses. He said he planned on making me his girlfriends by the end of the night. Now I just wanted to cancel today and avoid seeing him altogether. I've made it abundantly clear that I don't like him like that but he's being persistent. A gesture like that would make most girls swoon but I felt nothing since I can't seem to reciprocate his feelings.

I feel like a broken record, having to say the same thing to him over and over again. He's sweet but my feelings are not going to change just because he sent some red roses. I know it's bad that I'm not taking the opportunity to date him or even try to so I can get over Daniel but I just can't bring myself to force something because it would feel like I was just using him. The sooner he moves on, the sooner he can find someone better he can date rather than going after me instead. Maybe Evelyn can find him someone though I know she wouldn't because she still wants me to date him instead.

I was quick to run out of last period class after saying goodbye to Ruby once the bell rang. I heard my name being called out behind me but I kept running until I got to the bus stop. I wasn't going to take up Kylee's offer to drop me off home and at Wesley's because I didn't want to bother her with driving me around. It's hard not being able to drive around when I can't buy a car for myself but luckily most of the places I go to are not far of a distance away from mine.

I changed my clothes as soon as I got home, ignoring Fletcher's messages reminding me that he was picking me up after tutoring today. I was going to have to talk to him once I see him. That's the only reason I'm still going out with him tonight. I couldn't let what happened today, happen again. I scrolled through Fletcher's messages as I sat on the bus. I had managed to leave on time before Daniel could show up at my house again unexpectantly. Fletcher sent three messages. One was asking about what I thought about the gesture, one reminder about picking me up and the last one is asking if I was alright since I hadn't replied. 

I put my phone on silent once I got to Wesley's, putting it in my bag. I didn't message him back because I didn't know what to say. It'll probably hurt him if I told him the truth that I was embarrassed and got Ruby to throw the roses in the bin. Guilt bubbled inside but I just couldn't accept them though maybe I should have given them to someone else instead like one of my friends if they wanted it.

"Hey Harmony, why are you just standing outside? Come inside." 

I looked up at Wesley to see him standing at the top of the steps, beckoning me in with a kind smile. I got so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice that I was just standing in front of the building, staring at the ground like a complete idiot. I ran forward to follow him inside. I'm surprised Daniel didn't try to beat me here. Maybe he was busy or decided to give me some space? Either, I shouldn't be complaining though inwardly I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I pushed any thoughts about Daniel out of my head and shifted my focus back onto Wesley, who was going over my finished essay.

"Wow, this is perfect Harmony! You'll definitely pass with this, great job" Wesley complimented. I grinned, feeling a lot more confident in my assignment.

"Thank you, I hope I do" I beamed. 

"You will, you got some strong arguments, I don't even think you need my help anymore," he praised. That was great news! Yes! As much as I've gotten to enjoy tutoring with Wesley, I think I would like to have my free time back and be able to be independent on my work again.

"Are you sure about that?" I asked just to be sure. He nodded.

"Yeah, if you want to stop these tutoring sessions, just let me know" he smiled.

"I think I will, thank you so much for all the help you've provided me throughout these few months," I said. 

"Well it's all good, I mean I knew you were smart from the beginning, you just needed a little help though I could tell you didn't want it because you were too stubborn" he joked. I punched his arm lightly while he chuckled. 

"Well, I guess it worked out in the end after all huh?" 

Wesley nodded in agreement. He gave me back my work and we both stood up so I could leave to go home since there was no need to stay anymore. I hugged him goodbye because this would be our last time seeing each other. I don't know if I'll see him again. He gave me his number in case I ever needed his help or if we wanted to stay friends. It was nice of him. I swung my bag over my shoulder and waved at Wesley as I walked off. I exited the building to see Fletcher waiting for me in his car. He was wearing sunglasses as he looked ahead with one hand on the steering wheel and his other arm resting on the car window seal. I walked around the car and hopped inside before he drove off.

"Hey, how was tutoring?" Fletcher asked.

"Uh, great thanks," I said. I itched to rub my right arm. My nerves were getting to me. I didn't know what to say. I immediately took notice of his change of appearance. He looked like he was trying too hard. He wore a black leather jacket with a black and white striped shirt and black ripped skinny jeans with a chain attached to it. His hair was in a quiff. I didn't know what to think about him but it wasn't good. It's like something you see out of a modern book. 

"You like the new look babe?" Fletcher asked. He smirked and ran his hand through his hair, pushing it up more. I inwardly cringed at how he was acting. Is this what he thinks us girls like? This is too much. It's unusual since it wasn't him.

"Firstly please don't call me babe, I told you that before, and secondly why did you suddenly decide to wear....this?" I queried, looking at him up and down with a raised brow. 

"I wanted to wear something you would like to impress you" he shrugged nonchalantly.

"Um well it's a good try I guess" I forced a smile. 

Fletcher looked deflated when I said that but he changed his expression in an instant. I didn't do a good job at hiding in my tone of voice that I wasn't impressed. He didn't look bad, it just didn't arouse me or anything. I know he doesn't like that I keep rejecting him but changing appearance doesn't change my feelings, it's not that simple. I'm not going to lie about not being impressed though I did try to be polite about it in a way. An awkward silence fell between us as Fletcher drove to the movies. I looked out the window, watching the buildings go by until we got to the place. We both got out of the car and headed inside to purchase our tickets. I prayed that the evening would go fast.

"What would you like to watch?" Fletcher asked as we both stared at the movie times that were displayed on the board.

"I don't mind whatever, it's up to you" I shrugged. 

He contemplated on what to watch until he suggested an action movie. I didn't mind what we watched, I just wanted to sit down in silence and eat something. I'm not picky with movies, only when it comes to horror, I refuse to watch horror though Kylee and Ruby force me to whenever I'm over at their house. Fletcher went off to get our tickets while I went to purchase the popcorn and drinks. We walked inside the empty theatre. I hope that it wasn't going to be empty the whole time. I didn't want to be completely alone with Fletcher. 

As the movie started, I realized that no one was going to walk in and watch the movie, it was just going to be us. That's just great, I'm so excited. Fletcher tried to be subtle and grab my hand when we both ate from the shared popcorn but I was quick to retract away. When that didn't work, he tried to put his arm around my shoulder doing the cliché yawn and reach his arm around me kind of trick. I wanted to lean away but I was frozen in my spot.

But then he tried to put his hand on my thigh and that's what put me over the edge. I was uncomfortable and wanted to go home. The movie was only half over. I stood up abruptly making Fletcher look up at me with wide eyes. I excused myself before running off to the girl's bathroom. I put my hands on the basin and looked down. If only I could just stay in here until the movie was over and I could go home but my inner conscious would scold me if I did that. I pushed myself away from the sink and began pacing back and forth while running my hand through my hair, probably messing it up in the process.

I decided to suck it up and go back inside but instead of sitting next to him, I left a seat in between us. It was so he wouldn't try anything on me and hopefully he can finally get the message. Fletcher looked at me with a frown and furrowed eyebrows after I sat down but I didn't say anything to answer his questioning gaze. I pretended to focus on the movie while Fletcher took a deep breath and turned to the screen. Throughout the rest of the movie, it was fine since I got to avoid any attempts from Fletcher.

"So how did you like the movie?" Fletcher asked as we walked out of the theatre.

"I think that it was good," I said, giving him a half-smile. That was a lie. I barely paid any attention to the movie. All I could think about was going home and cutting this hang out short.

"I agree, it was good" he nodded. I'm pretty sure he's lying. I could feel his eyes on me every few minutes during the film. Oh, sweet relief to be going home after that whole awkward and uncomfortable fiasco. Fletcher drove off to drop me off home. I thought it would be silent between us the whole car ride but then he decided that it was the perfect time to ask me about the roses again.

"What did you think of the roses and the note I sent you today?" Fletcher asked.

"Uh, well, you see......" I trailed off nervously. I bit my bottom lip and resisted the urge to rub my right arm. 

"You didn't like it, didn't you" he muttered, dejected. I didn't want to admit it but I had to. I nodded, feeling guilty.

"I'm sorry, it was too much for me" I admitted. Fletcher sighed. 

None of us spoke during the ride back. I exited after saying goodbye though he didn't reply. Fletcher was quick to leave, speeding down the street with his tires screeching against the road, probably waking some people in the neighbourhood up. I changed into an oversized black and yellow Nirvana smiley hoodie and decided to continue my painting so I could finish it before next weekend and be ready when Miss Stone's friend comes in to look at my work/portfolio.

The peaceful silence that surrounded me while I paint didn't last long until I heard a knock at the door that led to my balcony. I jumped and spun around. There Daniel stood at the door, waiting for me to open it for him. I dropped everything onto the small table where I keep my paints and ran towards the door, opening it for him. He walked inside, going straight for my bed to sit down. I closed the door behind him, frowning. He looked distraught when he entered. I had forgotten to ask Ruby to check up on him so I might as well find out now.

"What are you doing here Daniel? Are you ok?" I asked. He remained quiet as he looked off to the side at my bookshelf. I sat next to him and cupped his left cheek to turn his head to me. His eyes reflected the sadness in them. It was then when I also noticed the smell of alcohol coming from him. It was faint but there. "Have you been drinking?." He looked down to avoid eye contact. 

"Daniel, please talk to me, you're worrying me" I pleaded.

I need to know he's alright

"Do you still like me?" Daniel questioned. It caught me off guard.

"Why are you asking me this?" I asked, avoiding his question.

"Just please, I need to know Harmony" he begged. He doesn't usually say my full name, it must be serious or mean something to him to know my answer. I bit my bottom lip, contemplating on if I should reply or not, especially when he's drunk. Daniel's eyes darted down at my lips but he quickly looked back up, into my eyes again. My head dropped forward to look at the floor while I played with the hem of my hoodie. I didn't want to look into his hypnotizing eyes.

"Yes, yes I do" I mumbled quietly, hoping he wouldn't hear me. 

Daniel used his thumb and index finger to lift my head and look him in the eyes again. He then leaned his forehead against mine and we both ended up closing our eyes. I could feel his breath brushing past my cheeks. No words needed to be spoken. I was probably stupid for even doing just this but I couldn't bring myself to push him away. I opened my eyes to look at him through my lashes to see that he was already staring at me. There was a look in his eyes that I couldn't decipher.  

Daniel leaned forward to capture my lips with his before I could gather the strength to tell him to leave. My eyes were wide as he cupped my right cheek to get better access. I didn't think twice about kissing back and wrapping my arms around his neck. Oh god, what was I thinking? I can't even listen to myself. I'm not supposed to make the same mistake again only for him to run away and be with Sylvia again. Before the kiss could go any further, I pushed him away slightly. 

"We have to stop, you're drunk" I whispered. 

"I'm not drunk, I'm tipsy but I'm very much aware" he corrected.

"This can't happen" I muttered. Daniel sighed and leaned away, letting go of me. 

"I fucked up didn't I?" he huffed while running his fingers through his hair. 

"I won't sugar coat it and say you didn't hurt me, not all is forgiven for what you did," I admitted. At this point, all was forgotten about Joseph and Shane. It was merely my choice that I was surprisingly able to voice. It's hard to go back to trusting him, trusting that he won't do the same thing again. I didn't want to be foolish again. I needed to learn from my previous mistakes if I wanted to avoid more pang in my chest.

"I know and I'm sorry about that" he apologized. 

"Thank you for the apology, I'm not angry with you, I just can't go back to you kissing me but then the next time I see you, you go back to Sylvia or some other girl, acting as if I'm nothing to you" I explained. He nodded.

"I promise I'll make it up to you Harmony" Daniel vowed. My lips quirked up into a half-smile.

"Thanks, um, I think you should rest" I advised. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I avoided saying anything else about what he just promised. I won't lie and say it didn't make me feel hopeful but he's still drunk and I don't know if he'll regret the kiss tomorrow when he's sober. He says he's tipsy and aware but I don't believe it.  

"I'm serious Harmony" he stated.

We'll see how you feel about that tomorrow