We didn't lie down for long because I remembered that we were both still wet but slightly dried. Daniel was also scratched and bruised up from the fight, which I still needed to talk to him about. I changed out my clothes before checking on him. Luckily Daniel's injuries were only mild and shouldn't take long to heal. I had to use a butterfly bandage on his cheek. He had a black eye, a couple of bruises on his abdomen from when they kick in before he got out of their hold. He took his shirt off as if to show off his perfect skin. I lost focus just when I was going to talk to him. My eyes had gone to his abs and travelled down.

"You enjoying the view?" Daniel smirked. He was lying down on the mattress with his hands behind his head while I sat on the edge of the bed. I snapped out of my trance and glared at him. 

"Leave me alone, you're distracting me on purpose" I accused. I placed the box of butterfly bandages onto my nightstand. I was unexpectantly pulled by my waist back onto the mattress making me yelp. Daniel climbed on top of me to pin my wrists against the bed. I could see the hint of mischievousness in his eyes as he kept that handsome smirk on his face. He leaned down and started kissing my neck. I gasped and closed my eyes, revelling the sensual feeling.

"Daniel, you need to stop," I said in a breathy tone. I could feel Daniel start to suck at my neck, trying to create a hickey. I had to bite my bottom lip to compose myself. Soon he started travelling small kisses up my neck, to my cheek but then stopped all of a sudden. He immediately sat up with narrowed eyes. I tilted my head in confusion. He seemed upset and frustrated.

"You've been crying recently, I can tell, what happened today? Does it have something to do from when you got called out of class?" Daniel demanded. 

My whole body tensed up. I turned my head, feeling embarrassed at the way I reacted this morning. I didn't want to look him in the eyes. I had finally forgotten about the incident that happened at school this morning but now I'm starting to remember the way the room had all looked. Scattered paper, the torn-apart canvas, the note that made me feel horrible inside to the point I almost wanted to puke. I didn't even want to think about it because now I'm being shed in a bad light for something I'm involved in but never wanted to take part in either. 

I wish I knew who broke into the classroom to ruin all my artwork and for what reason. What did I do to make them so angry at me? I have no answers. I didn't want to jump to conclusions and immediately point fingers at people. I can't blame people and expect myself to be right because if I'm wrong, I'm going to feel horrible and guilty inside. There's a small part of me that blames Sylvia for this but I have no proof so I ignored the thought. I didn't want to tell Daniel either because I was worried that he would just think I was overreacting.

Maybe I was and I'm just pathetic

"Hey, hey, look at me" Daniel urged softly. I ignored him and continued to look at the plain white wall with a frown. He sighed and cupped my cheek to turn my head so that I was looking into his eyes. He seemed to take a minute to stare into them as if trying to figure me out. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course I do" I immediately replied without hesitation. 

"Then what are you so afraid of?" he asked.

"Nothing, I got upset over something stupid, I'll get over it" I shrugged. 

I was trying to downplay it so he'll change the subject but judging by his stern facial expression, it didn't work. I sighed in defeat. Daniel and I sat cross-legged in front of each other so I could properly talk to him before admitting everything to him. I explained the whole ordeal that happened from when Evelyn called me out of the classroom. Daniel had gone from worry to furious in a matter of seconds. he had clenched his jaw but I held both his hands to keep him from curling them into fists. His knuckles had a few small open cuts and were still red from the punches he threw today. I brushed my thumb over the top of his hand while staring at them.

"It has to be Joseph and Shane, those fuckers just never listen" Daniel growled. I sighed and glanced up at him through my eyelashes.

"Daniel, you have to promise me you won't go after Joseph and Shane again ok? Please" I begged. 

Daniel looked down at me to see if I was serious. I'm sure he could tell that I was. I didn't want him getting hurt because we don't know who caused the incident in the art room. I didn't want him hurt in general. Today could have ended badly between him and the others, he was outnumbered. Lukas and Ace may have stepped in but I still think they would have gotten beaten up pretty badly. Daniel already has a worrying amount of bruises that he keeps hidden under his shirt that I know were there before the incident with Shane and Joseph. 

I hate seeing him hurt, I know he says he's alright but I see the way he winces when he tries to sit up. He always tries to hide it from me and play it off as if it's nothing with a grin. I want him to trust me enough to tell me the truth about what happened to him. The more he fights, the more time it'll take for his body to recover and the more likely he's put in danger of more serious injuries occurring. I already feel guilty that Daniel got into that fight today, I'm sure it's my fault that it even started in the first place. 

"You know I can't let them get away with this if they were the ones at fault right?" he said.

"I know but please Daniel, just promise me no more fights, you're bruised up enough and it's worrying me" I pleaded. He threw his head back and groaned.

"I hate when you look at me like that, you know I can't say no to those gorgeous eyes...alright fine, I promise no more fights, you have my word" Daniel huffed in defeat. I grinned and let go of his hands to cup both his cheeks to pull him close for a kiss. He immediately responded by pushing his lips against mine and instantly pulling me onto his lap. I threw my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss didn't last long until we had to pull away, resting our foreheads against each other, panting. 

"Thank you, Daniel, it means a lot" I muttered. Daniel's mouth twitched up and he brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. 

"I'd do anything for you" He whispered. I felt my heart flutter at his words. Only he could make me feel this way from saying a simple line.

A knock on the door interrupted our peaceful quiet moment between us. My grandmother's voice echoed from the other side of the door, ordering us to come downstairs since dinner was ready and we had to set the table up. My mother should have already be finished work and on her way. I crawled off Daniel's lap to stand up. We both exited my room and descended the stairs where we were hit with the aroma of slow-cooked beef stew and mashed potatoes. The signature dish my grandmother makes for us since it's me and my mother's favourite dish. 

It made me reminisce back to when I used to visit her house and I'd help her cook. I always got excited to learn but I was never good at it, I wish I was. I hope that I can learn some of her famous dishes so that I can recreate them for my mother and me whenever we want. Plus it would be a nice thing to cook for once a proper meal. My mother can cook exactly like her but never has the time. Cooking is one of her other passions, if she was home longer she would try and find more recipes to recreate.

"Judging from that heavenly smell, I'm guessing my mother is finally here for a visit" I heard my mother call out as she entered the house. 

She walked into the dining room with a bright smile when she saw the setup. There was a gleam in her eyes and she was smiling brighter than before. When I got home yesterday from Daniel's, I noticed my mother had looked happier than she usually was. I don't know what happened over the three days I was away but I'm glad that she seems much better like she let herself finally settle in, relax and enjoy her life here. I hope that happiness she feels never diminishes because I want her to always be like that and not stress about scenarios that won't or haven't happened since I know she stresses over the possibility of seeing my father again. At least now that seems to have stopped. 

"There's my favourite daughter who I missed so much since she left me in the dust" my grandmother joked while pulling my mother into a hug. My mother chuckled, hugging her back.

"I'm your only daughter and I'm sorry we didn't visit sooner, we were going to visit you the day before Christmas Eve to spend the holiday with you before I'd have to come back for the New Years Eve party for my work" my mother explained as she pulled up a seat at the table. We all joined her in sitting at the table, Daniel and I sitting close together. 

"Well, there's no need for that this year darling, I'm going to be staying here for a while so looks like we'll be celebrating Christmas here as a family" my grandmother beamed. 

"I'm glad that we can spend the holiday together here, it means so much to see you again mother" she smiled.

"Well I had to come over, I mean yes you told me you were alright but there's only so long I can go without knowing you were both safe, happy and healthy," my grandmother said. 

My mother never told my grandmother about the fact that she passed out and had hit her head due to lack of sleep and eating. She didn't want her to fret and worry over her. I understand why because my grandmother would overthink and get upset because my mother and I are all she's got. We're the only thing, she tells us, that's holding her together and stopping her withdrawing back into her own thoughts, which is another reason as to why we try to stay connected altogether as much as possible so she's not left alone often. Now it's just been hard to travel far when my mother still has her work and I still have school. That and my mother is scared to go back, she doesn't want to be found. 

"Well, either way, I'm glad you're here," my mother said before turning to Daniel. I was blushing since he had been staring at me with a goofy smile on his face. I could see she was looking at us both with a knowing look. "Oh, I'm sorry, I hadn't greeted you yet, you're Mariah's kid, right? Daniel? From the wedding?"

Daniel finally snapped out of his trance and directed his gaze towards my mother. "Uh yes, yes I am," he said, sounding nervous. 

"Hm, you know I've heard so much about you from my daughter here, she talks about you like you're the light of her life, it's getting her to stop the difficult part" she teased. My jaw dropped open in shock.

This is so embarrassing, I knew something like this would happen

"Mother!" I whined. Daniel's lips curled up into a smirk, looking at me again. "Don't you dare say anything" I warned, pointing up at him, knowing that he was most likely going to tease me about this. Both my mother and grandmother threw their heads back, laughing as Daniel put his hands up in surrender. 

"Oh dear, you missed out on how cute these two were acting when they came home from school, he is so sweet for Harmony" my grandmother gushed making my mother raise a brow at me. I hid my face in my hands as my cheeks heated up again. I felt Daniel's hand slide onto my thigh and give it a small squeeze. It managed to calm my nerves. 

"Are you dating my daughter Daniel?" my mother questioned. He nodded. 

"Yes we are ma'am" Daniel replied.

"And what makes you think you're good for her? I mean, how do I know you won't hurt her?" My mother quizzed. I rested my hands on my lap since I could feel Daniel's anxiousness rolling off him as he clutched my thigh. I slid my hand on top of his to reassure him that everything was fine. My mother isn't going to do anything, she's just trying to make him nervous and succeeded. I know when she's serious and when she's not. She's harmless, she means well. 

"Um, well, I know that deserves the world, she's the only girl for me, I'd hate myself if I were to ever hurt her or make her upset" he admitted. I couldn't help the smile spreading across my lips. I could tell from the look in his eyes that he was being genuine and honest. I loved hearing him say the littlest sweet things though I don't know if it sounds conceited to say that.

"You picked a good one Harmony, I approve of him," my mother grinned.

"Thanks, mum," I said. 

"Oh, I got an idea! How about for Christmas Eve, you can join us in celebrating so that on Christmas day, you can spend it with your family as I'm sure you would like to do" my grandmother chirped. I don't know about that. Daniel can barely stand to be in the same room as Evelyn so that's a verbal fight waiting to happen between them. 

"Actually that would be great, thank you" he smiled. It was slightly funny to see him like this. I know he's trying to make a great first impression though I think he's already done that. They both immediately liked him but they also trust my judgement. They've always supported the decisions I make.

"Oh, that's wonderful!" my grandmother exclaimed happily while clapping her hands. 

"If you want to invite your family, they're always welcome as well" my mother added. 

"Thank you ma'am" Daniel replied. I doubt he was going to invite them because that would also mean inviting Evelyn over. I didn't want her over, I wanted to be able to be around Daniel without her everywhere I go in my own home. 

"You don't have to call us ma'am, you can address us by our names, I'm Camilla and this is my mother, Melissa" my mother introduced.

"I'll take note of that ma - I mean Camilla," he said, instantly correcting himself. 

The rest of the dinner went smoothly. I was happy to see Daniel start to relax and get along with my family. He already got along with my mother from before. He never let go of me throughout the whole dinner. I had relished in the tranquil atmosphere that surrounded the dining room table. They conversed with Daniel, trying to get to know him as much as possible. Luckily he didn't mention what happened today, I didn't want to tell them just yet because I know it'll just worry them. I didn't want to put a damper on any of their moods, especially now. I would tell them later when I'm ready. 

When it was time for Daniel to go, he had stood in front of the doorway. We both couldn't stop smiling at each other. My mother and grandmother had decided to sit in the living room to watch a movie but I could hear them giggling from the other room. I know they would be listening in on us talk rather than the movie. I can see where I get my genes from. Daniel grabbed both my hands, brushing his thumbs over the top of them as he looked down. That was when I noticed he wanted to say something because he kept opening and closing his mouth as if to speak but stopping himself in the end.

"Are you ok?" I asked with a frown and furrowed eyebrows. Daniel's adam apples bobbed as he gulped. "You can tell me any-"

"Will you go on a date with me?" he rushed out. I tensed up, my whole body stilled for a second. My eyes widened as I stared up at him in shock. I didn't expect that to be the reason he was so nervous. That was unexpected.

"What?" I asked but my voice came out quiet and small. Daniel took a deep breath.

"Will you go on our very first official date with me?" he repeated. I tilted my head in confusion.

"But didn't we agree that the dinner you planned on Sunday night was our first date?" I questioned.

"We did but after today, I realise that I want our first date to be a proper one rather than the one we had indoors, I want to make it memorable for you" Daniel admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. I smiled fondly.

"Well then, of course, I'll go on a date with you Daniel," I beamed. He grinned, seemingly relieved. 

I don't know why he was so nervous to ask me, surely he must have known that I would have agreed, either way, first date or not. Of course, I'm going to say yes. Being around him makes me feel alive and happy. I don't think he needs to try so hard for this date, every moment I spend with him is memorable, ever since I first met him. It's not like I need some grand gesture. The most memorable dates for me are those where you can go somewhere usually seen as boring and have fun while enjoying the presence of one another, no matter where you are.  

"Thank you, I'm going to make this the best date you've ever been on" he vowed. I raised a brow in amusement.

"Well I'll keep that in mind," I said.

"Good, does this Friday after school at 7 pm, sound good?" he asked. I nodded. 

"Sounds perfect" I chirped. Silence fell between us as we stared at each other, relishing in the moment.

"Do you guys still need a minute to kiss each other goodbye!?" my grandmother called out jokingly. I covered my face in embarrassment as I heard their laughter echo down the hall. Daniel chuckled. He grabbed my hands, pulling them away from my face gently to smile.

"Don't cover your face, I still need that goodbye kiss before I head to the lion's den" he joked. I rolled my eyes but giggled nonetheless. I leaned up to press my lips against his, keeping the kiss short and sweet before pulling away. "Ok now I can go," Daniel said but still didn't move. 

"I'll see you tomorrow," I said. He kissed my cheek before bidding me farewell as he headed towards his truck. I watched as he drove down the street, waving at me from his rolled-down window. I sighed and closed the door before walking upstairs to go to my room and sleep.

"So I heard you got a date with him?" my mother's voice stopped me midstep. I looked at her from over the railing. I knew she was listening in on our conversation.

"Yes I do," I said, hesitantly. 

"I hope he treats you right on the date and that you enjoy it" she smiled.

"Thanks, mum," I said while returning the gesture. 

"All good, I'll see you in the morning Harmony."

"See you in the morning." 

I climbed up the rest of the stairs, to my room. I decided not to read today and just head straight to bed. I was planning to talk to Evelyn on Friday, I wanted to mend things up between us and just see if we can discuss everything. I just wanted to try to fix my friendship with her because it's better than ignoring her for the rest of my life. I know Daniel won't be happy about it but it's my choice, I can't throw away years worth of friendship over an argument we haven't tried to talk about. I also needed to talk to Fletcher but that's for another time since I've been dogging his calls ever since we hung out. I don't know how both conversations will end but I prayed that it wouldn't be bad and that they would agree to what I had to say.