It was currently Tuesday and the rain had finally eased. The lightning had completely stopped yesterday morning when Daniel and I woke up. Now everyone is allowed to go out again but from the news report, people are still urged to be careful because there were a few areas that were flooded due to the amount of rain. Daniel and I weren't planning on going to school today even though it's alright to go. We just wanted to spend our last day together in this empty house because who knows when we'll get an opportunity like this again, probably never.

We were lucky that Daniel's mother called, saying her and Carlson won't be home until later tonight. I don't know about Evelyn though, I'm just hoping she doesn't come back today until I've left to go home. Ruby and Kylee have been calling Daniel nonstop yesterday but he turned it off because we didn't want any interruptions. I know I'll have to talk to them later today once I go home and make up some excuse, that's if they'll even believe my lie.  Daniel and I talked yesterday about what's next in our relationship. I admitted that I didn't want to tell anyone until we were both ready and sure of us, which he agreed upon my wishes.  

I was sitting on the kitchen counter, drawing a sketch. It was the back of a couple holding each other's hand while looking up at the full moon, in an empty field of sunflowers. Daniel was cooking us some french toast for breakfast. I had changed out of Daniel's hoodie into a new one, a white Arctic Monkey hoodie that had the name and sound wave in black. Once he was done cooking, he started to chuck on some chocolate chips, icing sugar, syrup and some strawberries. My lips quirked up while watching him from the corner of my eyes. For the last few days, he's been like a chef, cooking for both of us even though I keep offering to help but he turns me down, saying I should relax.

"What are you smiling about over there?" I jumped, dropping my pencil, not expecting him to notice me. I looked up, my cheeks turning a dark shade of pink. Daniel was smirking, leaning next to me against the counter with his arms crossed. I brushed a loose lock of my hair behind my ear as I spoke.

"I was smiling at how perfect it has been, you've been treating me like royalty and cooking for me like a chef."

"Well, you deserve to be treated like a queen because are the most amazing woman I know."

"Ok stop being corny you goof, let's eat."

I was now blushing uncontrollably, looking away from Daniel's intense eyes that held nothing but honesty and passion. I was still new to the whole relationship since I've never had one, no one has ever been good enough, I wasn't looking for anyone to be with anyway. I was more focused on my family and enjoying my time with Maddie when I wasn't at home or with Evelyn and whoever she wanted me to meet that she came with. Evelyn had always been the one to pressure me into getting a relationship with someone.

I was jolted out of my thoughts when I felt Daniel's minty breath against my cheeks. I hadn't noticed Daniel approach to stand in front of me, in between my legs with his hands resting on the countertop, trapping me within his arms. I stared into his eyes that always seemed to see right through me, calming me down. It's as if he was trying to decipher what I was thinking about by just looking at me. He had leaned forward, his lips brushing against mine, which was distracting me as my eyes darted towards his lips.

"What are you doing?" I whispered in a hushed tone.

"Admiring your beauty, I can't believe you're mine" Daniel confessed. I giggled in response. Ever since we worked everything out and got together on Sunday night, he has been saying all these sweet things to me. I want this relationship to last. I just hope it's not because he feels like he has something to prove or that he feels guilty. As for right now, I'm just going to enjoy everything between us.

I'll never get tired of this

I pecked his lips with a smile. I leaned away from Daniel so I could get off the counter and have breakfast but he seemed to have other plans. He cupped my right cheek and pulled me back to connect our lips. I was taken aback but instantly kissed back after getting over the initial shock from the unexpected action. I loosely wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him closer, craving more of him. Daniel moved the hand from my cheek to my leg before trailing them up under the shirt I was wearing to hook his arms under my thighs and lift me off the counter.

I wrapped my legs around his waist before he took us towards the couch in the living room. I soon felt my back against the soft cushions of the couch as Daniel hovered over me. When he pulled away, he smirked and lifted his shirt over his head. I admired the stained ink on his chest just before he leaned down to start trailing kisses up my neck, to the back of my earlobe. I closed my eyes to relish in the moment. I then pushed him away as he looked at me with his head tilted and a frown until I flipped us over so this time I was straddling him. 

I could see the lust and passion in his eyes as he looked up at me with those amber eyes, putting me in a trance for a second. I rested my hands on his chest and leaned down to trail kisses from his chest, upwards as Daniel rested his hands on my waist. I ran my fingers along his skin as I did. It was my turn to smirk when I heard him moan when I got to his neck. But what we had failed to notice was the front door opening because next thing I know is I hear a throat being cleared. I instantly pulled away from Daniel with wide eyes in alarm, thinking that it was Evelyn but nope, it was worse, way worse because it was Daniel's mother, Mariah.

"Oh my god, this is so embarrassing" I mumbled with panic as I felt my cheeks start to heat up from the awkward situation I put myself in. I wanted to curl up in the darkness and never come out until this is all forgotten. 

I can't believe I just got caught making out with her son

"Shit" Daniel cursed under his breath. Exactly what I was thinking. Mariah was standing in front of the couch we were on with a raised brow and her arms crossed as if waiting for an answer.

"Well, Daniel?" Mariah demanded. 

I was quick to crawl off Daniel so he could sit up and look at his mother properly. I was biting my bottom lip and rubbing my right arm while looking at the floor as if it were the most fascinating thing since sliced bread when really I was just trying to avoid any stares from Mariah. I thought we were in the clear since she wouldn't be here until night time but I guess her plans changed. This memory is going to haunt me now, how lovely.

"Now you see here is......well to put it simply, we were making out until you came home," Daniel said with a shrug in a monotone. My eyes widen yet again, mortified at his response. I slapped his arm. He winced and rubbed the spot where I hit him. 

"Seriously Daniel!?" I hissed. Daniel chuckled, wrapping his arm around my shoulder to pull me close to his chest that I had forgotten was bare. His shirt was discarded on the floor next to where Mariah was standing. I wanted to hide my face in between the crook of Daniel's neck since now Mariah was staring at me. I tugged on Daniel's hoodie that I was wearing, feeling a little too exposed for this awkward moment that's now been filled with silence. 

"Do you mind if I have a moment with my son Harmony?" Mariah asked calmly. 

I looked from Mariah to Daniel then back to Mariah before nodding frantically. Daniel was quick to peck my lips before letting me get up to head for the stairs. I walked into Evelyn's room, hearing the two downstairs start to talk in hushed whispers. I decided to change into something less revealing than just Daniel's hoodie. I grabbed Evelyn's black jeans to wear underneath. I hated having to use her clothes but I can't be stubborn when I'm in a situation such as this. I exited the room to hide around the corner of the stairs and listen in on their conversation just to see if they were done talking or not. I know that it was nosy of me but I need to satisfy my curiosity.

"- Harmony is not some girl you can use Daniel, I don't want you hurting that poor girl, she's a good person," Mariah said sternly.

"I know, she's not one of my 'flings', she's my girlfriend, I'm serious about her mum, I don't want to hurt her" he argued. There was a pause of silence before Mariah spoke up softly.

"I can see that you genuinely have feelings for her but you're also scared."

"Yes because what if one day someone manages to make her realise that she can do way better and she leaves me."

"Daniel you can't be afraid of the what if's in life, you should be more focused on the present, prove that you are the right man for her, she already has strong feelings for you, I could see it from day one" Mariah advised. My heart was pounding in my chest. I feel guilty for listening in but I didn't know that that was his fear. I would never leave him. If Evelyn can't convince me for the many months she's tried, no one can. I've handled a lot of people trying but my feelings remain the same towards him. I wish I could reassure and comfort him but then he would know I eavesdropped on their conversation. 

I should have waited in Daniel's room

"Please promise me you will treat her right, she deserves it" Mariah pleaded.

"I already made that promise and I'm going to stick by it" he declared. The corners of my mouth twitched up. "You can come downstairs Harmony! It's alright now!" Daniel yelled making me jump. I stepped out from the corner and descended the stairs, into the living room to stand awkwardly by the entrance.

"Again I'd like to say that I'm so sorry for having to see us like that" I spoke up. Mariah smiled.

"I'm not mad at you or anything, I understand that you two just got together but you need to be careful, both of you," Mariah said sternly. We both nodded in response. "Good, now Harmony, come with me, I want to talk to you. Daniel, you put your shirt on and stay here" Mariah ordered. I almost giggled at Daniel's expression. He threw his arms into the air and shook his head as Mariah got up from sitting next to Daniel on the couch and motioned for me to follow. I kissed Daniel's cheek before following her into the kitchen. 

"Do you want some tea?" Mariah asked, taking out two mugs. 

"Yes please, if that's alright" I replied, sitting on the stool in front of the counter where the french toast that Daniel made were left abandoned. I waited patiently as she made us both tea. I took my time to drift my eyes around the kitchen until they landed on the window that looks over the front lawn of the house. I was still on edge since I didn't know what she wanted to speak to me about. 

"You can eat that you know?" I jumped a bit when I heard Mariah's voice. She stood on the other end of the counter in front of me and slid over my cup of tea. I held the cup, relishing in the warmth on my hands.

"I think I lost my appetite" I mumbled.

"If it's because you're nervous then I can reassure you there's nothing to worry about, I just want to talk, nothing bad ok?" Mariah reassured me, smiling softly. 

I nodded and returned the smile. Mariah pushed the plate towards me, along with the knife and fork. I was supposed to share it with Daniel and I didn't want to eat without him. I was going to wait until we were done talking so he can also eat. We haven't had anything since last night for dinner. It was currently only 10 am, a first for waking up early even though we went to sleep at like 4 am in the morning while watching New Girl together on Netflix from his laptop on his bed with his arms wrapped around me.

"Listen Daniel has already told me everything and I'm glad that he's finally been able to express his feelings ever since he became closed off from trusting others, I think you're good for him, you make him happy and as a mother, that makes me happy, so I wanna thank you for that" Mariah said. I was slightly taken aback, not expecting her to thank me. 

"Oh there's no need to thank me, I did nothing, it's all your son, I mean if anything, he makes me happy and always spoils me, he makes me want to be open with myself and it's something that I didn't know I needed until now" I smiled. 

I stared at my tea, thinking about all the moments we've had together where he's been able to make me laugh and be more myself than I thought I could be. Where I didn't have to conform to everyone's expectations of me and cower from life's 'poison', that being what brings joy to people. He's the only guy that has ever made me feel competent and not fragile. He gives me the confidence that I need by just being by my side and supporting me like he is now in my pursuit to get into the college of my dreams.

"You love him" Mariah more stated than questioned. My head snapped up at that and a blush crept up towards my cheeks. 

"It's too early to say love" I laughed nervously, why? I don't know. Mariah tilted her head. I don't think she believed me. I tucked a rebel strand of my hair behind my ear and looked away.

"Well, either way, I like you, you are perfect for him, you're genuine, I knew you liked him from the beginning" she complimented. My eyes widened in shock at the revelation. 

"You knew?" was all I could say. She nodded.

"Of course, from that day at my wedding when you and Daniel first met, I could see the way you looked at him and the way he returned that look, it was only a matter of time" Mariah explained. 

I guess I wasn't so subtle, that's embarrassing

"Are you done talking with my girlfriend?" I heard Daniel's husky voice come from behind me before I felt rough yet gentle hands on my shoulder. Mariah rolled her eyes. 

"Yes I am," she said as she turned to put her empty mug in the sink. Daniel pulled out the chair next to me and sat down. "I'm going to go change and then head to work, don't forget Evelyn will be home soon from her friend, Kylee's house, and Carlson will be back at around 6 pm, I'll be home a little later ok?" Mariah informed. Well looks like I have to leave early to avoid Evelyn again. She doesn't need to see me and Daniel together or us making out like how Mariah found us, which will never leave my mind, I'm now traumatised and will always find that moment my most embarrassing one yet. 

"And I probably won't be here if I have to be stuck with Cruella De Vil" he mumbled as he lazily stretched his arm across the back of my chair to rest it there.

"Daniel! Don't call Evelyn that, she is not a villain" Mariah defended. Daniel blew out a breath and rolled his eyes.

"I beg to differ" he whispered to me. I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from laughing. That would be inappropriate. Mariah spun around to shoot a glare over at Daniel in disapproval. 

"Daniel, stop talking badly about Evelyn, she is a sweet girl" she ordered. 

Not all the time

"She is a vampire in disguise" Daniel snickered. He then winced when his mother slapped his arm. Daniel rubbed his arm as he glared back at Mariah. I was amused watching them argue.

"Be nice to her next time you see her alright?" she ordered, her tone suggesting there are no arguments. 

Daniel huffed in annoyance but nodded nonetheless. I knew he wasn't going to be nice to Evelyn, he probably won't talk to her even though Evelyn always tries to somehow in someway provoke him to start an argument between them. She's the one that starts it, he doesn't deserve to be treated the way that she does to him. Daniel doesn't even know why himself. I'm surprised he hasn't told Carlson about Evelyn's drunken night that he blackmailed her with. He's had plenty of chances but I'm glad that he didn't because I know that would throw Carlson over the edge.

Mariah left the kitchen to head upstairs and it was soon quiet between us again though it was peaceful like always. We began to eat the now cold french toast though luckily it was still good. Once we were done, we decided to stay in Daniel's room for the little time we had before Evelyn would come back home and I'd have to leave. I just hope she doesn't come back early like Mariah did unexpectantly. Daniel would be going over to hang out with Lucas, Ace and Ivy at The Nova Lounge to meet up with Thomas and his band. 

I would go with them but I think he should be with his friends without me by his side constantly. Plus I think I'm going to just spend the rest of my day with my mother once she gets back home. I should probably also call Kylee and Ruby, especially since Kylee still has my phone with her. I know I'm going to get an earful from them and it terrifies me to face their wrath, even if it is over the phone. I should have messaged them yesterday to reassure them that I was fine but couldn't talk when they were calling. I'm probably going to regret my choice of actions for that.

"Here's the picture you were drawing," Daniel said, pulling me back to reality and away from my thoughts. I smiled as I took the paper from his outstretched hand.

"Thanks" I muttered, looking down at the sketch.

"It looks amazing, you're very talented, I know that Columbia University will be lucky to have you as their beloved top student" he praised, giving me a proud smile. I blushed, feeling my heart swell inside while also giving me a confidence boost in my own work. 

"Thank you, that means a lot to me, really" I mumbled. 

Daniel cupped my cheek and leaned in to give me a proper kiss. I relished in the kiss before having to pull away. he took out his laptop to put on some Netflix so we could continue the show we were watching last night while we lied down on our sides. Daniel was close behind me with his head peeking over my shoulder, his chin resting there. His breath tickled my ear, making me shiver and bite my bottom lip. I could tell he was smirking as he snaked his arm over my waist and pulled me so my back was pressed against his chest. 

My thought drifted towards the fact that tomorrow I'll be taking my finished painting into school to leave in Miss Stone's classroom, along with my other artwork she had kept from class as a collection. I'm keen to hear a reply from the college, I trust that I did good and tried my best but it's not very high but I know that I got Daniel, my mother, Kylee and Ruby all to support me. Evelyn does support me but at times she hints at me not to go and that I shouldn't apply for a scholarship in New York. One thing no one can change my mind about, it's my decision in what college I go to for my own education and success in life. Not even Evelyn can influence my decision ever.