I wiped away some of my tears with the tissue in my hand as I read an emotional chapter from one of my favourite books. It was a romance/teen fiction book and even though I've read it like a million times, I still cry at certain parts. Sometimes it's from sadness and happiness. It's a rollercoaster of emotions every time I read it. I'm a sucker for a good book or vintage movie. I was almost finished with the book I was currently reading but I don't want it to end. At least I got two bookshelves in my room full of books that I've read over the years. I'll probably read them again before I buy new ones soon.

It was a sunny Sunday morning. I had woken up at 9 am and decided to read until I had to leave to go to Evelyn's. I was supposed to meet her at 11 pm so I thought I'd leave at ten minutes to since her house is just up the road from mine. I peeked at the time on my phone and almost jumped out of bed. Shit, I only had a few minutes to get ready and leave. Evelyn is quite punctual, ironically considering she is late a lot of the times. I quickly took my reading glasses off before running over to my closet. I wore my denim short overall with a simple white shirt underneath and my old black converse.

I tied my hair in a bun, letting a few strands fall against my cheek before wrapping a red and white bandanna around my wavy brunette hair to use it as a headband. I gave my reflection from the full-length mirror a nod in approval. The outfit is something I would usually wear if I were to paint but today seemed like a good day to wear it. I made my way out of the house to walk over to Evelyn's house. The moving truck could be seen from afar parked in front of the house. Evelyn was sitting on the steps out front of her house, most likely waiting for me. She jumped up as soon as she caught sight of me and ran over. I yelped as we both fell on the grass after she tackled me in a hug.

"I've only been gone for one day, that doesn't mean you can tackle me," I laughed, patting her back. We both got up and dusted the grass off of us.

"I know but still, I mean this makes up for those many years of us only seeing each other on the weekend, holidays and on our birthdays" Evelyn grinned. 

"Harmony! You're here! It's great to see you again" I heard from behind me. 

Mariah walked over to stand in full view with a bright toothy smile on her face. Again, just like on the day of her wedding, I was caught off guard when she hugged me. It's not bad, it's just not something I'm not used to when I meet someone's parent. Especially when that parent is Daniel's, the boy I'm currently infatuated with, unfortunately. I couldn't get him out of my head the whole week. He occupied my thoughts every night, sneaking into the short dreams I would have. He was always there to protect me in my nightmares. It was a dangerous yet good thing. Half and half.  

"I'm going to have to apologise to you both in advance for my son since he decided to stupidly go hang out with his friends today but I am going to keep calling his phone until he gets here" Mariah declared. Evelyn gave me an 'I told you so' look while I rolled my eyes. 

Of course. She loves to be right. But it was only this simple thing. He wasn't here but I'm guessing it was because of Evelyn and Carlson. I know she would do the same thing if she were to move into their house instead. I think she should try and understand that it's hard to just sell your childhood house and move into a new area with new people who you're not close with. Evelyn knows half of it at the moment. But alas, she's stubborn and like a brick wall, anything I say won't get past her. She just ignores it and does whatever her way, which can sometimes backfire on her end.  

"It's fine, I'm sure he'll come later to help," I reassured her. He had to come home sometime eventually. I just didn't know when. I'm not the one who lives with him.  

"I sure hope so or he'll be hearing an earful from me" Mariah grumbled before walking off to the moving truck.

"I told you he was an asshole Harmony" Evelyn stated smugly. We walked to the moving truck to help move some boxes inside.

"I know, I know, but hasn't he stopped blackmailing you?" I questioned. The whole week that I've been over, she hasn't said a word about him being here or blackmailing her. He does it to either shut her up or just to torment her. Maybe he stopped after the wedding because he knew there was no point anymore when you have to soon live in the same house? I don't know.

"Yeah but that's only for now, he still has that chance to do so, that little shit is just waiting for the perfect opportunity to use that information against me, I swear" Evelyn growled lowly.

I huffed and shook my head. Evelyn is just being paranoid again since Daniel hasn't done anything to her since the wedding. He hasn't even talked to her, just ignored her. Now Evelyn is suspicious that Daniel is planning something against her but I doubt it. I mean maybe he was just enjoying the last week he had in his old house before he had to move here. I don't think he's plotting anything evil or something. There's always the possibility that he could have also stopped because he wanted to and thought that he should do the right thing. I told Evelyn this yesterday but she replied with:

"You always look for the good in people Harmony and it's going to get you hurt one day."

I know I always look for the good in people and think on the bright side but I wasn't always like this, I'm still not but Evelyn doesn't know that. I know what it's like to have people base you off what other people have said, to be judged before the other person has even gotten to know you personally. Everyone likes to think that they know me but no one does unless I let them. Inside I'm terrified that the thing that I've been hiding will reveal itself soon. I try not to think about it but it kills me at times when the thought randomly pops into my head. Evelyn still doesn't know why my mother decided to up and leave our old area even though we were comfortable and happy there. There was no house to even go to and reminisce. Only photos of old memories.

"You ok?" Evelyn asked, tilting her head with a frown. We placed the boxes down in the room that was supposed to be for Daniel's. 

"Yeah fine" I lied with a fake smile plastered across my lips. 

Evelyn seemed hesitant to believe me but went along with it. I shoved those thoughts out of my head. I needed to forget everything and just have fun during my last day of summer before school starts tomorrow. Mariah told Evelyn and me to not worry about Daniel's things because she wanted him to do it when he comes back. We helped get Mariah's things inside. We could only help out with the boxes and the furniture that wasn't so heavy. The ones that would go into the first living room such as the couch, was carried in by Carlson. I helped out since he was visibly struggling to drag it inside. 

By the time we were done, it was around 1 pm. Carlson ordered pizza for all of us. Evelyn and I took two slices each before heading into her room. Evelyn closed the door behind her as we entered. I collapsed onto her beanbag while she sat on her bed. Evelyn practically scarfed down the pizza as we watched TV. I tried not to laugh at the sauce on her chin. I wonder if I should tell her about it or if she'll notice on her own when she goes back down for more slices. I'm sure she'll notice if she uses the napkin she had beside her. 

I jumped when I heard the front door downstairs slam shut. Evelyn rolled her eyes in annoyance. Judging by her expression, I'm guessing that must be Daniel. He must be frustrated having to come back home. Mariah's voice echoed throughout the walls of the house. She was lecturing Daniel on his behaviour. Maybe I should go help him out with his room. Having some company while moving everything may be better than doing it alone. Especially when he must be still trying to process everything and accept all the change happening. 

"Don't even think about it Harmony" Evelyn warned, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Think about what?" I asked innocently. I knew what she was talking about. She knows I'll go help him, even if he wasn't the guy that I liked.

"You want to go help him out because you're too nice, leave him to do it on his own, he's a big boy, he can do things on his own," she said.

"Yeah but having some company while you work is nice" I tried to reason. I don't know why I'm even trying to reason with her as if I need permission. 

"Just leave it, this is practically his punishment" Evelyn shrugged nonchalantly. 

I sighed and sunk further into the beanbag. I wanted to see him again considering we haven't talked since the wedding. We never exchanged numbers or anything. I don't think he knows that I live just down the street from Evelyn's place. I guess I have to wait until later possibly to see him, that's only if I'll be able to. I probably won't be able to get a word in before getting dragged away by Evelyn at some point if I try. Talking to him is pointless with her around. As much as I appreciate her being my best friend and caring about me, at times it can be too much and it's only been two weeks. 

To pass the time I decided to use one of Evelyn's notebooks to sketch something. Not long after, Evelyn was called down by her father. When she came back up, she told me she was going to go to the store with her father and Mariah to get some groceries. She offered for me to go with her, so I didn't have to stay with Daniel but I reassured her that I was fine with staying here. Evelyn was hesitant but ended up leaving. I get that she wanted to protect me but she should trust that I can handle myself. I feel safe and if her parents are fine with me being in the same house as Daniel then she should try to be. But I understand why she wouldn't, not this soon at least. 

I looked down only to realise that I had been drawing Daniel's face. My eyes widen as my cheeks heated up. Oh no! Lucky Evelyn didn't see this or she would be questioning me like an investigator. I ripped the page out before folding it and putting it in my pocket. Evelyn or Daniel can not see that. It would just be too embarrassing. I turned towards the closed door and bit my bottom lip. Daniel's music resounded throughout the walls of the house. I got up and quietly walked out of Evelyn's room. Daniel's room was across the hall. 

I peaked into his room. My eyes widened at the sight of Daniel's shirtless upper body. He was bobbing his head to the music while he painted the wall black. There was some paint on his face and chest. His muscles flex as he painted his wall. My eyes trailed to his toned abdomen. There were a couple of tattoo's that littered his body. My favourite would be the big realistic wolf head on his forearm. My other favourite is the quote on his back written in cursive. It was by Hemmingway that said 'we are all broken, that's how the light gets in'. I've read about Ernest, the words on the pages always tend to get to my heart. The quote was a captivating choice out of the many wonderful ones from him. 

I was shaken out of my daze by my phone blaring out from my pocket. I tried not to let out a string of curse words at whoever could be calling me at such a bad time as I fumbled for my phone. I dove to catch it when it slipped out of my hands. That was a bad idea on my part considering I fell on the floor with the phone almost hitting my face but luckily landing beside me. If I hadn't made an embarrassment out of myself before when we first met, I definitely would have now. Stupid caller. I sat up and rubbed the back of my head. Damn it that hurt. My back tensed up when a shadow loomed over me from behind. I can practically sense the smirk on his face. 

"You alright there?" Daniel asked. I cursed myself for my stupidity before tilting my head back to look at him with a smile. My theory was correct, he had a smug smirk plastered across his lips. 

"Oh yeah, fine, I was just.....looking around?" I replied though it sounded like a question more than an answer. Daniel chuckled as he shook his head.

"I'm guessing you were staring at me and got busted by your phone?" Daniel inquired. 

Damn it he was good

"Pfft, what? Of course not" I waved him off. 

"Yeah sure," Daniel said, sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. "Need help?" he offered. I nodded in response. He extended his hand and I slipped mine into his. Once I was up, I dusted myself off while he walked back inside his room. I followed afterwards inside and glanced at the wall that was half done. Daniel continued to paint with the music still playing in the background.

"Do you need any help painting your wall?" I asked.

"Do you wanna help?" Daniel replied with another question. He raised a questioning brow at me. I nodded. "Then go ahead" he shrugged.

I grabbed the spare paintbrush sitting beside the bucket, on the white cloth. I began muttering the lyrics along to the song that was playing from his Bluetooth speakers. Surprisingly I was enjoying Daniel's music taste. My favourite genre of music is jazz considering I'm obsessed with old fashioned movies that use that type of soundtrack. 

"I see you're enjoying the song" Daniel commented with a quirk of the lips. I grinned up at him before doing a little twirl.

"Surprisingly I am," I said. He chuckled as he shook his head.

"Cute dancing skills," He complimented. 

I looked away, my cheeks turning scarlet. Sometimes, I hate how easy it is to make my blush. Luckily, Evelyn isn't here to scold me for even being in the same room as Daniel. It was comfortable between us. No awkward silences or interactions, just an enjoyable time getting to know him better than what other people base him off of. As I continued to paint, I found myself unable to reach the top half of the walls. Even going on my toes did nothing.

I frowned and glanced over at Daniel who was painting the top part with ease. His 6'3 figure towered over my 5'5 body. Daniel turned to look at me with a raised brow. I had given up on trying to reach the top. There was no point. My eyes followed his movements when he sighed and put his paintbrush down to then walk over. I yelped in surprise when Daniel wrapped his arms around my legs and lifted me to put me on his shoulder. I looked down at him with wide eyes. He did that so swiftly as if I weighed nothing. It made me nervous that I would be heavy. 

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Helping you out" Daniel replied nonchalantly.

"Yeah, but are you alright with carrying me on your shoulder?" I questioned, worried.

"I'm fine, you're as light as a feather" he grinned. I rolled my eyes but smiled none the less. I began to paint the top of the walls with the help of Daniel moving so I could get the whole top area of his room. It was the last bit of his room that needed to be painted before we would be finished. Once his room was done, I looked down, half expecting him to put me down but he just kept staring at me.

"Is there something on my face?" I asked with a tilt of the head.

Daniel shook his head and grinned. He then moved towards his bed, which he must have set up when he got home, and put me down on the bed. Because of the bouncy surface, I ended up stumbling a bit before falling backwards onto the soft mattress. Well, it was lucky that I didn't have my shoes on and that I was wearing my socks. I felt like I was in a daze when I lifted myself onto my forearms. Daniel jumped onto the bed to lie down next to me. I laughed as he tried to snuggle into the mattress. I turned onto my side while he did the same. 

We were so close that I could feel his breath against my cheek. I couldn't help but get lost in those amber eyes that allowed me to get a glimpse into his soul. There was tranquil silence between us. The music had been turned off when we finished. Daniel held onto my waist to pull me into a familiar position with my legs straddling his torso while I hovering over him. We then leaned forward to rested our foreheads against each other. A half-smile played across his lips as he cupped my right cheek and brushed his thumb across it. I could feel my heartbeat a mile a minute. 

"You look beautiful" Daniel whispered.

As we gazed at each other, I was pretty sure that we were going to kiss, at least that's what it felt like until we were interrupted by the front door downstairs slamming shut. That was when reality came crashing down on me. I was quick to get up but backed away slowly. I was in shock at what I was about to do. I spun around and dashed out of Daniel's room. He called out for me to wait but it didn't stop me. I ran into Evelyn's room and closed the door behind me. I had to take a deep breath to calm myself down before collapsing back onto Evelyn's bed with a frown. My mind wandered off to our almost kiss. I barely know him and yet I was going to kiss him. Either I must be stupid or obsessed. It wasn't good if this is how I act around him. I didn't want to be perceived as desperate or crazy. 

"Hey, you ok?" Evelyn asked as she entered the room. I sat up properly to see her standing at the doorway with her hand on her hip and a frown etched on her face.

"Yeah I'm fine, I think I need to go home and read or have a nap, I'm sorry" I lied. I just needed to go home and clear my head. I may read but I don't think I can sleep with the way my thoughts were working at the moment. 

"Are you sure you're ok?" Evelyn hesitantly questioned. 

"Yeah, I'm just tired" I reassured her.

"Well ok then, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning to go to school together," Evelyn told me.

"Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow then," I said.

Evelyn walked me to the front door to bid me farewell. On my way, I took a quick peek at Daniel's room. He was just lying on his bed, staring at his ceiling aimlessly. I gave Evelyn a quick hug before I leaving, making sure to say goodbye to Carlson and Mariah. The house was empty when I entered, as always. It's become a common thing to come home to. I sighed before kicking the door closed behind me. I head into my room and took my shoes off before throwing myself onto my bed. I looked around from my blue neon led light that said 'Good vibes only' to my bulletin board half-filled with pinned photo memories of my happiest times with the fairy lights hanging above.

I sat up and pulled my hair tie out, letting it fall against my shoulders in waves before untying the bandanna to put on my nightstand. I shoved my hand in my pocket and felt the pointed tip of the folded paper. I then pulled the paper out and unfolded it to scan over my drawing of Daniel. He had black slicked-back hair, a square jawline and piercing amber eyes that held many secrets behind them. Amber eyes may be rare but Daniel suits the colour, it's like I never want to look away but feel like I have to.

I stood up from my bed and walked over to my bulletin board to pin the sketch onto it. I stepped back to smile at my new addition to my board of memories. I had some other drawings on my bulletin board but I pinned the one of Daniel in the middle. I like to live my life by the words of Pablo Picasso who once said 'art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday soul'. It's always stuck by me. My grandmother taught me everything I need to know about art and now it's my main passion. To be a real artist is a dream I hope to achieve one day. That's my aim in life and every artist needs their muse.