I watched as Evelyn paced back and forth during our lunch break. She had been freaking out since today was the day of the pep rally before the big game. It was the first time she was going to perform in front of the whole school though I still don't know why she tried out if she doesn't seem all that into it, even before she looked unsure. But I'm still going to support her through it, though unfortunately, it means I have to go to the football game tonight. I wasn't a big fan of football nor did I understand a single thing about the sports but luckily I was going to be going with Kylee and Ruby since they were into it. Evelyn was going to be staying after school to practice. 

Daniel wasn't going to be staying for the game since he hates those types of things. He was going to hang out with Thomas, Storm, Felix and Atticus since his other friends Ivy, Ace and Lukas were attending the game. Well, Ace and Lukas were playing in the game and Ivy wanted to watch them play but she told me that herself. This past couple of days, I've been talking to her and we've started to become friends. We have hung out once on Wednesday after school and were planning to again tomorrow. 

I can tell it made Daniel happy that we were getting along considering Ivy was so close to him. I know that at the wedding she kept glaring at me but she explained to me that she was just worried that I would hurt Daniel so I completely understood her. Kylee and Ruby were suspicious of Ivy but trusted that I knew best. They had also started to slowly become friends with Evelyn again since she had started to hang out with us as often as she could with how busy she's been with practice this week. 

Evelyn was, however, able to finally tell us whether she'll be joining us on the camping trip on New Year's Day. She told us that she wasn't going to go even though she had been looking forward to it. She was going to stay here with Keith and spend some alone time together at a hotel. I was secretly relieved that she wasn't coming with us because Daniel had just agreed to come with us and I was keen on spending some time having fun without worrying about Evelyn.

"You guy's are coming tonight right?" Evelyn asked nervously after the bell rang for class. Kylee shrugged and Ruby nodded rapidly with a wide toothy grin. 

"Don't worry Evelyn, we'll be there to cheer you on, you'll do great" I reassured her with a smile. 

Evelyn smiled back before hugging me and running out onto the field to continue with practice. I followed Ruby to class while waving at Kylee goodbye since she was going to ditch class to hang with Atticus. I was happy that they'd agreed to be just friends for now and so far nothing has gone wrong, they're getting along and hanging out. Kylee is getting better but at times, Ruby and I will see her stare at her phone as if waiting for him to call and tell her it was all a joke.

"Oh wait I forgot to tell you the great news!" Ruby squealed. 

"What is it?" I asked.

"I already told Kylee this when we got here but since you were busy making out with Daniel-" My cheeks heated up and I shot her a glare as she smirked in response before continuing. "Thomas finally asked me out and we are going to the race track tomorrow alone, I'm so excited!" Ruby exclaimed excitedly. I couldn't help but chuckle at how keen she was. 

"I'm glad you're happy, I hope you have fun and of course, you must tell us everything after" I beamed. Ruby linked arms with me and smiled.

"Well of course! Be ready to facetime tomorrow night bitch because I'm going to be spilling all the tea" she joked. I shook my head and laughed.

The rest of the day went by pretty fast. I didn't see Daniel in any of our classes for the rest of the day. I'm assuming that he must have left during the lunch break because we met up this morning and went to class together for the first half of the day. I guess he didn't want to be around all the excited students who were chatting about tonight. They wore the school colours and would occasionally chant loudly. Ruby and I walked to mine to get ready since Kylee was getting dropped off by Atticus.

"You excited for tonight?" Ruby asked as she brushed her hair in front of my full body mirror. 

"Eh," I shrugged. 

She turned her head to look at me over her shoulder since I was sitting on my bed, cross-legged. Ruby had forced me to wear our schools colour to show spirit so now we were matching. I didn't mind but I still wasn't into the whole thing. I never understood why it was such a big thing, it's just a game but if I said that to anyone in our school, they'd get offended as if I just insulted their very existence. I get their passion for the game but I don't want to be forced to enjoy something I don't. 

"Oh come on, it's going to be fun seeing hot guys play sports" she smirked. 

"Still not interested" I sang.

"Of course you're not when you've nabbed Daniel" she teased. I stuck my tongue out at her and she did the same. We both burst out laughing.

"People must think we're crazy" I muttered, shaking my head. 

"But we are queens nonetheless," Ruby said smugly while flipping her hair over her shoulder. 

"Damn right" I winked. 

Once we were both ready to go, I kissed both my grandmother and mother's cheeks goodbye, letting them know I'd be home late before leaving. Ruby and I jammed out to Taylor Swift and Lauv on her phone the whole way there while we walked, occasionally singing loudly and laughing. When we got there, it was bustling with people in the parking lot. The only light was the brightly lit field. I could barely hear my thoughts. Students wore face paints with the school colours on their cheeks. Ruby was bouncing on the heels of her feet with a huge grin spread across her lips.

"This is going to be great! We are so going to crush Northview to the ground!" she exclaimed aggressively while raising her fist in the air. 

"Let's go find Kylee so we can sit down and watch the game," I said, tugging her arms to the stands. 

We could hear the drums from the school's marching band start to play indicating that the pep rally was about to start before the game. We quickly ran over to go find Kylee and once we did, we sat next to her, greeting each other with a hug. Just then, the cheerleaders ran onto the field with the marching band playing more rapidly. Everyone was roaring with cheers and excitement. I felt out of place but I tried to at least pretend that I was interested in everything and knew what was going on. We waved over at Evelyn who was grinning at us. 

They began their cheer as the rival team ran onto the field to stretch. I noticed one of them particularly looked like they were waving at us. I looked around thinking they were waving at someone else but everyone was paying attention to the cheerleaders and still yelling. I looked back over and squinted my eyes as if that would help me see them better. It took me a moment to realise who it was. My eyes widened and I immediately wanted to hide because it was Fletcher. The hair gave it away once I saw it since he wasn't wearing his helmet just yet. I sat back down since everyone was standing, practically hiding behind the people in front of me as if they were my shield.

"What's up with you? You look like you've seen a ghost" Kylee pointed out.

"Worse, Fletcher" I muttered.

"Wait what?! That weird fucker!?" Ruby shouted. The guy next to her gave a look of disapproval. "What? It's a free country, piss off" she snapped. He rolled his eyes and turned his head back to the field.

"Can you be any more embarrassing?" Kylee mumbled. Ruby gave her the finger while glaring. 

"You shouldn't be worrying, I'm pretty sure he won't approach you to talk" Ruby tried to reassure me.

"As if we'd let him" Kylee scoffed. Ruby nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, guys" I smiled. 

Just then the game started and Ruby and Kylee turned their attention back to the field. I sighed and rested my head in my hands. It felt like I was watching a bunch of sweaty guys run up and down the field with a ball. I know if I said that to Ruby or Evelyn they'd be offended. I'd probably get my head chewed off because they're so passionate about it, Ruby more than anything since her father used to be a famous football player until he retired not long ago. I flinched when one of the players got tackled down. 

It looked like it hurt pretty bad considering he then walked off the field with a limp. The funny thing is no one seemed to care, they just kept cheering since it was from the rival side. I don't get this. I jumped a bit, snapping back to reality, when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, indicating that I got a message. I checked my message and immediately blushed, biting my bottom lip. It was Daniel saying he missed me. I couldn't help the wide smile that appeared on my face as I messaged him back. At this point, I stopped paying attention to the game and blocked out the people around me.  

Daniel: I need to see you again, I miss you

Harmony: We saw each other not long ago

Daniel: Yeah but that was this morning

Harmony: Of course, well I miss you too, this game sucks

Daniel: Not surprised, our team sucks

Harmony: I don't understand anything, I'd leave if I could

Daniel: How about you come out and leave with me now? I'm waiting in the car park for you, make an excuse and meet me here

I looked at both Ruby and Kylee to see that they were distracted. I then looked over at the field to see Evelyn wasn't paying attention to us since she was busy facing the players, cheering. I made an excuse to Ruby and Kylee that I wasn't feeling very well and to tell Evelyn that I had gone home. They waved me off, telling me to feel better since they were way too into the game. I grabbed my bag, throwing it over my shoulder, and quickly descended the stairs of the bleachers, out towards the car park on the side. When I spotted Daniel, I grinned, running over to him and throwing my arms around his neck. Daniel chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist. 

"You're practically my saviour from this horrid game" I mumbled into the crook of his neck.

"That bad huh?" he questioned as I took a step back from him.

"It was bad alright, I mean watching a game that's uninteresting and having your eardrums burst is not fun" I complained. "That and I saw Fletcher versing our team" I added in a mumble. hoping that he wouldn't hear me. 

"What?! He didn't talk to you beforehand or anything right?" Daniel fumed. He had his hands balled into fists. Probably should have known he would hear me and that this would be his reaction.

"No! He just waved at me from the field, I didn't even see him until the pep rally actually begun" I replied, trying to reassure and calm him down. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I intertwined both our hands and smiled up at him. "How about we ditch this place already? The sounds coming from the bleachers are making my eardrums bleed" I suggested. Daniel looked into my eyes before a smile appeared across his lips. 

"I'm all for it, let's go" he agreed, motioning his head behind him since he had been leaning against his truck. 

We got into his truck and were soon on our way. I looked at the side view mirror, watching as the school got further away and silence fell upon us, only the low sound of the hosts of the radio station talking in the background. I felt relieved to be leaving because as much as I wanted to support Evelyn, I just wasn't enjoying it. I also wanted to avoid a confrontation that I know is going to happen with Fletcher. He may have stopped trying to get in contact with me but I still know from Evelyn that he wants to meet up again. She told me recently this week but I told her no. Now I know what she meant when she said that I would be seeing him sooner rather than later. 

"Hey, are you ok?" Daniel asked, looking at me with a frown. I gave him a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, sorry, I'm just happy to be with you now" I admitted. He smiled and grabbed my hand to intertwine them, kissing the back of it.

"How would you like to go on an adventure to somewhere interesting?" he inquired. I raised a brow in curiosity. "Do you trust me to keep you safe?" Daniel questioned when he saw that I was also hesitant. 

"Yes, I do" I immediately replied without hesitation. 

"Then you have no worry, you won't be in harm's way, I promise" he reassured me. I took a moment to think about it before nodding.

"Let's go on this 'adventure' then" I beamed. Daniel's lips spread into a wide grin.

"That's my girl" he winked. 

It didn't take long before he parked in front of what looked like a rundown, abandoned mall. I frowned in confusion as we both exited the car. I was quick to hold onto Daniel's hand in fear since it was pitch black. He chuckled before kissing my forehead to reassure me. It managed to calm my nerves slightly. He got out his phone to use the torch to light our path. I followed him into the mall, which was strangely open. Once we were inside, it wasn't as dark with the light of the moon shining through the broken glass ceiling. 

The moon illuminated part of the mall. I looked around in awe at the place. Vines had started to grow inside, with grass surrounding the once tiled floors. It must have been because this was next to the forest. When Daniel stopped in front of a carousel, I couldn't help but stare. It looked dirty and rustic but still useable. The gate surrounding it was broken on one end. I didn't notice Daniel leave my side until the lights on the carousel turned on, making me jump back in surprise. A tune started to play from it.

"Can we actually go on this?" I asked, walking up to Daniel.

"Yeah, if you want we can" he shrugged. 

"And you'd go on it with me? You're not going to say no because it's a kid ride and you'll get embarrassed?" I questioned, narrowing my eyes. He let out a small laugh.

"Can't really be embarrassed when there's no one around, plus I'll only do it for you" he replied. My cheeks heated up, probably turning scarlet. He always knew exactly what to say. "After you," Daniel said while bowing and extending his hands towards the carousel. I laughed as I walked past the fallen gate, stepping onto the carousel. I sat on the deer just before Daniel turned on the machine. He ran over and quickly hopped on to stand in front of me. 

"Aren't you going to sit?" I asked, motioning to the side at the horse in front of me with my head.

"No, I think I'd rather stand here," he said, leaning forward to brush his lips against mine. 

"You're so weird" I muttered, glancing up into his amber eyes, the moonlight reflecting against the iris'. 

"But you love it" he retorted. I chuckled before pecking his lips. Daniel started humming his own soft tune. It was soothing, I didn't want him to stop. It made me wonder how he would sound like singing. I wanted him to, one day because I know he'd be great at it. 

I yelped when I was suddenly yanked up by my waist and spun around before being placed onto Daniel's lap while he now sat on the deer with one arm wrapped around my waist, his hand resting on my hip. He did it in one quick swift motion. I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck, leaning into his side as he grinned, staring at me with a certain look in his eyes. I sighed with content, placing my head between the crook of his neck. Daniel continued to hum while trailing his hand up my arm. I almost fell asleep but kept myself awake. 

"Thank you, yet again you planned something perfect, even if it is in an abandoned mall" I mumbled. He breathed out a small laugh.

"I only want to give you the best" Daniel said quietly. 

"You always do."

The ride soon stopped but we still sat in peaceful silence between us. The only sound was the one coming from the crickets and owls outside. Daniel leaned his head back to look down at me. I can tell he got an idea in his mind when he gently moved me to sit on the deer while he ran over to play the carousel again. When he ran back, he quickly grabbed my hand to pull me up. I threw my head back and laughed as he spun me around to hold onto my waist while the carousel moved. I yelped when he picked me up. I held onto his shoulders.

"Daniel! Put me down before you make us both fall!" I laughed joyfully. 

He placed me down but then backed me up so that I was corned against the middle of the carousel. He had one hand resting against the post behind me and the other on my waist to pull me forward to kiss me. I smiled, pushing my lips against his in return. It was a short but sweet moment before he went back to picking me up and spinning me around. At one point I ended up taking out my phone to take photo's of us because I wanted to remember this moment. We took a few of each other in the mall since Daniel agreed to it for me. 

I had to beg him but he came around once he saw me widen my eyes, staring into his with a frown. It got to him too quickly after that. I noticed that I had a few missed calls from Evelyn and some messages asking if I was alright. Her latest message was simply for me to feel better and that she'll talk to me soon. Ruby and Kylee also messaged me to say not to worry because they made an excuse that I was sick and that's why I left early. I internally sighed with relief at that because now I don't have to worry about her getting upset that I left early. I know I'll feel guilty about it but this was so much fun than the game that I didn't care. 

"Ready to go home babe?" Daniel asked. I looked up from my phone since I had been scrolling through the pictures we'd just taken. I gave him a smile before putting my phone away and holding onto his outstretched hand.

"Yeah, I'm getting tired, let's go" I replied. The drive back to my place was silent while I stared up at the night sky that always seems to put me in a trance. When Daniel parked in front of my house, he turned towards me, looking nervous. I frowned.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"No! No, it's just....." Daniel sighed while trailing off. I tilted my head, waiting for him to continue. "Listen after I talked to my mother about coming to yours on Christmas Eve, she may have denied since she'll be visiting Carlson's family but she told me to invite you and your family to come over during Christmas Day" he explained. Well, that's not what I was expecting at all but it was nice nonetheless. It sounds fun to spend Christmas with his family. I've always celebrated with my family but I'm sure they wouldn't mind going over to his house for a change in tradition.

"Oh, well that's so sweet of her, I'm sure my mum and my grandmother won't mind spending Christmas Day with you guys but what about Evelyn? We can't be together around me, she'll just pull me away" I pointed out. He threw his head back and groaned in frustration.

"She's always got to ruin everything" he grumbled. "Well, then I guess we'll have to sneak around" Daniel then smirked. 

"I had a feeling you'd say that," I said, quirking my lip up in a half knowing smile. I know Evelyn will be there but I'm sure we can find a way around her and still have fun on the day. It won't be hard if she's distracted or we steer away from her. She's been oblivious to us this long so far. 

"Well, I'm not going to let her stop me from being around you" he stated. I chuckled and shook my head.

"Well then yes, I'll talk to my mum and grandmother tomorrow" I smiled. 

"Perfect" he grinned. I leaned over to kiss him and exit the truck. I waved at him as he drove off before entering my house. I sighed with content. 

I'm glad that I didn't stay at that pep rally because I had a better time with Daniel instead. I don't regret leaving when Evelyn would have wanted me to stay for support. I need to have fun. I've been doing everything her way for so long that it was fun to do something that I wanted to do without anyone holding me back. It was thrilling and I would do it again because it was my life and I was going to live it.