"Harmony! There's a package here for you!" my mother shouted from downstairs.

I quickly pushed the wrapped present I had gotten Daniel under my bed before getting up and running downstairs. My mother was holding quite a large Christmas themed box that had a perfect little red bow on top. I furrowed my eyebrows with a frown as I slowly reached the last step. In her other hand, she held an envelope with my name neatly written in familiar cursive writing. She handed them to me with a knowing smile. Either she read the note or she already knows who this is from. I opened the envelope first when I got to my room. The card simply said:

I saw this and instantly thought of you. I hope that you wear it tonight, can't wait to see you.

From Daniel

P.s this is not your present, you'll see what I actually got you later 

I couldn't help the smile that spread across my lips as I shook my head. I lifted the lid of the box and gasped in shock, my eyes widening. It was a red off the shoulder midi dress and it was gorgeous. I don't know when he bought this or why he did but I loved it. I just hope he didn't spend a lot of money. I already told him that he shouldn't buy me anything but judging from what he wrote at the end, he got me something else. We were supposed to be meeting tonight, near midnight. He was going to come to mine once everyone goes to sleep. 

I was going to give him the present I had gotten him. I got it from the antique shop he took me too. I hope he likes it. The dress itself is more than enough. He knows me too well. First, the necklace from my birthday that I still wear every day and now this dress to go with it today. I decided to wear it to Christmas dinner. I had done my hair in a half updo using my hair scarf scrunchie. It was currently 4:30 pm. It was almost time to leave since we were supposed to be there by 5 pm. 

I changed into the dress and slipped on my black lunar block heels to go with it. I heard my mother calling out my name. I quickly descended the stairs and followed my mother and grandmother out of the house to walk to Daniel's. They both looked absolutely stunning. I'm sure they're both happy to dress up. I think they're more excited about tonight than I am. I was still nervous though because this time Eveyln would be there. I don't know if one of our mothers will spill our secret. I don't even know if Mariah told Carlson about Daniel and I dating. I guess I'll see what happens.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Mariah who was wearing a Christmas hat and a huge grin. She immediately hugged all of us before ushering us inside. I stared in amazement at how decorated the inside of their house was. She went all out. I could tell Mariah must really love Christmas. The lit-up tree looked beautiful in the TV room, beside the entryway. I walked down while my mother and grandmother went to help Mariah. The fireplace was lit in the living room and I noticed Daniel sitting on the singular blue couch beside it. He looked irritated while glaring into the crackling fire. I can take a guess as to why because Evelyn was sitting on the other chair next to him with her arms crossed and a glare directed at him. 

"Am I interrupting something?" I asked, speaking up to gain their attention. 

They both turned to stare at me. Evelyn grinned, her previous bitter mood forgotten. She ran up and embraced me in a hug. I laughed, wrapping my arm around her in return. Daniel was staring at me. He gave me a once over once Evelyn was done hugging me. I could see admiration and lust in his eyes. I blushed, looking down. Evelyn kept wishing me a Merry Christmas and rambling that I couldn't get a single word in. Daniel hadn't taken his eyes off of me. He wore a cheeky grin behind Evelyn's back. I didn't know what he was thinking but he's probably gloating at the fact that I had decided to wear both the dress and the necklace he gave me.

"Oh my gosh! I love your dress Harm! Where'd you get it from? You need to tell me!" Evelyn gushed. I quickly shot a glance at Daniel then back at her. 

"Um, it was actually a present" I replied.

"Oh well that's sweet of someone to do" she beamed. I smiled in response. 

Evelyn was then called into the TV room by her father so she ran to go answer. I was about to follow until Daniel stopped me by gently grabbing my wrist. He glanced around, noticing that it was just us alone since everyone was either in the kitchen or sitting in the TV room. He then pinned me against the wall beside the entrance, his body pressed against mine. I stared up at him with wide eyes as he smirked. He glanced down at my lips then back up to my eyes.

"I see you wore the dress I got you" Daniel noted.

"I see that you're drooling over it" I teased with a knowing smirk of my own.

"Well, I won't deny that fact, you do look breathtaking like always" he flattered. I looked away to avoid his passionate gaze. He turned my head to face him again using his index finger and thumb. "You're making it hard to keep my hands to myself" he muttered.

I ended up making the first move and leaned up to connect our lips. He snaked his arms around my waist as I wrapped mine around his neck, running my fingers through his hair. It didn't last long until I heard my name being called out by Evelyn. I pulled away first and we rested our foreheads against each other. I could still hear her calling my name, her voice echoing throughout the house. It was getting louder now, indicating that she was getting impatient. I was a little embarrassed because if it wasn't for her, we'd continue to make out and I don't want what happened before to happen again with someone walking in on us. 

Daniel leaned in to brush his lips against my ear. "We'll continue this tonight" he whispered. My breath hitched and my heart raced with excitement. 

I watched as he moved away from me with a smug smirk before walking out of the room. I quickly snapped back to reality and ran over to where Evelyn was. She was in the dining room where she was setting up the table. I helped her while Mariah, my mother and my grandmother all placed the food on the table. They seemed to be chatting and laughing as they did so. It was nice to see our parents getting along, it brought joy to my heart at the sight. I smiled as I sat near the corner of the table, where Mariah was seated at the end. I heard the chair scrape against the tiled floors as it was pulled out and assumed that it was Evelyn. However, when I looked up, I noticed that it was Daniel who had taken the seat beside me.

"What are you doing?" I whispered to him.

"Sitting next to my girlfriend" he replied quietly with a grin. 

I loved hearing him calling me that and will most likely never get over it. Oh god, I sound like a lovesick puppy or something. This is what falling for Daniel feels like I guess. I peeked behind him where Evelyn sat with her eyes narrowed towards the back of Daniel's head as if she could set him ablaze with just her stare alone. She held her middle finger up discreetly and stuck her tongue out. She then started mouthing curse words. I rolled my eyes. I guess it was better than her actually speaking her thoughts out loud about him. I'm not about to let her hurt him again. Luckily she won't drink tonight since Mariah and Carlson forbid her because she's still underage.

"I hope everyone enjoys the food we made, thanks to the help of Camilla and Melissa here" Mariah announced as she stood from her seat, raising her wine glass. Evelyn, Daniel and I all had normal hi-ball glass. We all raised our cups as she exclaimed, "Merry Christmas!". We repeated after her before beginning to eat.   

I felt Daniel's hand grab mine and intertwine them under the table. I hid the smile that threatened to show as I ate. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, wishing that I didn't feel like I had to hide this from Evelyn because it would upset her. I know that sooner or later I'll have to tell her the truth. I just can't handle another fight because I don't think we'll come out of it still friends. Evelyn can be stubborn but so can I. Depending, we could both end our friendship over something so stupid. I just want my best friend to support my relationship like Ruby and Kylee do.

I sighed before taking a sip of my water. Daniel gave me a look of concern with a deep frown. To reassure him that I was alright, I gave his hand another gentle squeeze. "So Harmony, I hear you got a scholarship at Columbia University, I know you've always wanted to go there, congrats, how does it feel?" Carlson spoke up. I looked over at him and smiled.

"Thank you, Mr Pierce, I mean I feel great, I've accomplished something I've been wanting to achieve since forever really" I admitted. 

"Are you a little bit hesitant on going?" Evelyn asked. I glanced towards her and shook my head. I'm scared about moving to the big city but not hesitant. this is something I've wanted for years. I wasn't going to let my fears get in the way. 

"No, not really," I said. 

"But won't you be away from your family and us, including Ruby and Kylee? Won't you miss everyone? I mean you'll probably forget about us and find someone else to be your new friend, then you'll find a boyfriend, and you'll have a whole new life away from home" Evelyn rambled on in a snarky tone. I frowned at the sudden hint of aggression.

What's she playing at?

"I'm going there because it's my dream Evelyn, not to forget everything, move and start a new life, yeah I'll make new friends but that's it, that's college" I slightly snapped at her. Before she could comment further on my choice of college, Carlson spoke up again.

"Evelyn that's enough" he scolded. She huffed and went back to eating. 

I looked at Daniel. His posture was tense. I hope what she said didn't get to him. It shouldn't have. I kept worrying since he didn't seem to relax the whole time we ate. The adults all continued to talk to each other while we stayed silent. Once we were done, I went to help Mariah wash the dishes while my mother went to set up the living room for us to have dessert. My grandmother was in the TV room, watching with Carlson and I think Evelyn and Daniel though it worries me whenever they're in the same room together. 

I wish they'd get along but it's been months now since their parents got married and they still won't make peace with each other. I've given up on trying to find out why Evelyn hates Daniel. I've accepted the fact that she'll never tell me. I don't believe he did anything bad to make her avoid the subject. I think she's just overreacting because she tends to hate people without a reason. She hates more than half the people in her school for no reason other than because she thinks their bad people even though she's never gotten to know a single one of them. 

"I'm sorry for what Evelyn said, I hope that it didn't upset you or make you overthink going to Columbia" Mariah apologised.

"Oh no not at all, nothing could change my mind or make me feel bad about getting into Columbia University as long as my family is proud" I shrugged. She smiled.

"I'm glad Daniel has you in his life as his girlfriend" she stated. I didn't know how to reply so I stayed quiet but blushed. At least I practically got his mother's approval. 

I entered the living room where everyone was now sitting by the fireplace after Mariah called them in once we were done. I immediately noticed Evelyn talking to Daniel. Oh no that's not good, that's never good. Daniel was looking down at Evelyn with narrowed eyes while Evelyn had a smug expression. I told her not to insult Daniel anymore and she said she would try. Right now, it doesn't seem like she's holding back. She can't use being drunk as an excuse because she's only had water. When Daniel clench his fist and storm off, I knew that something was wrong. I don't know what Evelyn said but she should control herself before I snap at her.

"What did you say to him?" I demanded to Evelyn. She shrugged.

"Nothing untrue, I just brought up the fact that I knew he had a little crush on you but told him it would never happen because you would find someone else once you go to college who's way better than that bastard, then I mentioned that you're only nice to him because you have a good heart and pity him" she admitted. My jaw almost dropped at what she said. She didn't even look guilty over it, she looked more proud. I wanted to tell her off, scream at her for always butting in and making things worse, for changing into something she herself hated, for everything. If she ruins this relationship for me, I'm going to lose my shit at her.  

"I see you went back on your promise," I said through gritted teeth.

"I never promised shit remember?" she retorted.

I couldn't handle talking to her anymore. I turned to go after Daniel, noticing Mariah looking up towards the direction he stormed off to with a deep frown. "I'll go talk to him" I reassured her. She glanced at me and nodded. I shot Evelyn a glare but she just started eating from her slice of cake, looking unnerved by my gaze. Of course, she's unapologetic about this. I grabbed a slice of the cake and walked upstairs. His door was closed and most likely locked away from everyone else. I knocked but there was no reply.

"Daniel, it's me...I bring a peace offering" I called out softly. I then heard the sound of his footsteps. I stepped back when he threw open his door. His eyes softened when I smiled, holding the plate out to him. He motioned his head inside so I followed him in. He closed the door behind him, locking it again. "You ok? I know what Evelyn said" I asked as I placed the plate down on top of his nightstand. I sat next to him on the edge of the bed. He remained silent. I rest my palm on top of his to reassure him. He stared at our hands. 

"Why did you pick me to be with?" he asked. I frowned, tilting my head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I replied with a question of my own. He then looked up to stare into my eyes.

"Why did you pick me to be with when you know you could do better? You probably will once you go to New York" he grumbled. Oh, now I see what he meant. Evelyn's words got to him. 

"I see what Evelyn said got you overthinking" I sighed. "As for the answer to your question, isn't it obvious? I've never had any feelings for anyone else until you came along and showed me how to be anything other than what people expect me to be, I know that you're worried about me going to New York but I'm not going to find anyone else that's quite like you because no one can compete, you are the only one for me, I only have eyes for you" I professed. His lips curled up into a smile and he was quick to wrap his arms around my waist to pull me onto his lap. I yelped in surprise. I made sure to tug my dress down that had ridden up. 

"The only one for you eh?" he raised a brow with a smirk. I rolled my eyes, my cheeks heating up.

"Is that all you got from what I said?" I asked, avoiding his remark. 

"No, but that's what stood out" he shrugged. 

I looked away to avoid his gaze but he gently placed his index finger under my chin and turned my head towards him. He brushed his lips against mine, practically teasing me. I leaned forward to connect our lips and instantly tangled my hands into his hair, tugging at it earning a low moan from him. I then placed my hands on his chest before pushing him onto the mattress. I straddled his waist without breaking the kiss. I pulled away slightly to run my finger against his skin while trailing kisses up from his chest to his neck until I got below his chin. 

I sucked on the skin until I felt his breathing pick up. He placed his hands on my thighs. I smirked at how aroused he was getting even though his family and my family are just downstairs. It's not like me but it's thrilling to be the one in charge this time. It wasn't long until we heard a knock on the door followed by Mariah calling out our names to check up on us. I pulled away from Daniel to sit up. He sat up onto his elbows to stare up at me. Even though he was still in a daze, his expression read lust and shock. 

"What was that?" he breathed out. 

"A little Christmas present" I teased with a wink. 

I was quick to get up before he could pull me back. I walked out of the room to join the others, leaving him behind. Not long after Daniel decided to join us. I had to hold in a small giggle at the fact that he changed into a turtle neck to hide the hickey I gave him. He glared at me but I just raised my glass with a smug smirk. I knew he liked it, he's just hiding it most likely because his family would know immediately it was me that gave it to him. It's not hard to figure out. It just shows now that he's taken whenever we go out. 

"Isn't it a little warm for a turtle neck Daniel?" Mariah questioned.

"Uh yeah but I just felt like wearing this today" Daniel failed at lying. She raised a brow but didn't question him any further. 

"You look ridiculous" Evelyn grumbled. I ignored her comment, rolling my eyes. I looked at Daniel, who sat across from me since I was sitting next to Evelyn. 'You'll pay for this' he mouthed. I don't know if I should be worried about what he'll do or excited. 

The rest of the night went pretty fast and soon I was home, waiting in my room. I had changed out of my dress and into Daniel's black hoodie that had the word 'Revenge' written in red in the middle and 'no glory' on both the sleeves. I wore shorts underneath even though the hoodie went up to my knees. I sat on my bed, finishing off a sketch of the two of us so I could give it to him along with the gift. It was getting closer to 11:30 pm, the time we agreed on him coming over. Luckily I was almost done with the drawing.

I got too distracted that I didn't notice Daniel open the door to my room from the balcony that I left open for him. It wasn't until I felt a presence looking over my shoulder did I glance to the side to see him peeking over at the drawing. I instantly jumped in surprise, almost falling off my bed. He was quick to grab my waist to steady me. He grinned, resisting the urge to laugh since everyone was asleep. I glared at him as he sat next to me, the bed dipping under his weight. When he tried to kiss me, I turned my head.

"Oh come on don't be like that, I'm sorry" he complained while kissing my neck sending a shiver down my spine. I let a smile slip onto my lips. "See, there's that gorgeous smile" Daniel muttered against my skin. My cheeks heated up.

"I hate that you always know how to get to me" I mumbled. He chuckled before grabbing my waist and pulling me back with him as he lied down. I laughed as I lied next to him with my head on the pillow. He then turned so he could then hover over me. He started kissing all over my face. "Daniel" I giggled. 

"I love your laugh" he whispered against my cheek. I smiled and turned my head to peck his lips. I noticed that he was now wearing a white short-sleeved shirt that exposed his neck and the hickey that formed on his throat. I bit my bottom lip. 

"I see you decided to showcase my work" I joked. He breathed out a laugh. 

"Yeah, I wanted to show it off and tell people you're not as innocent as you seem" Daniel joked back. I stuck my tongue out at him playfully. "You are just full of surprises huh?" 

"What can I say, you bring out a whole other side of me."

"I like it" he grinned before pecking my lips. I quickly remembered that I still had his gift under my bed. I placed my hands on his chest to separate us so I could get out from under him.

"Get up, I want to give you your gift before midnight" I ordered. He huffed but complied nonetheless. I knelt on the floor and dragged out the big box. Daniel sat on the floor in front of me and I noticed he had a similar-sized gift-wrapped box in his hands. There was a bag next to him, which he must have used to carry it up here. He tilted his head with a frown while I giddily smiled. "I really hope you like what I got you," I said, pushing the gift towards him. Even though I was nervous to see his reaction, I was still excited to give it to him.

"I'm sure I'll love whatever you get me" he reassured. He then handed me his gift. 

"And I'm sure I'll love yours even though you didn't have to, the dress was enough," I said. So far everything he has given me, I've loved and kept. The necklace proves it since that's the first gift he ever got me.

"Which I see you changed out of and into my hoodie that you took last Saturday" Daniel chuckled. 

"Hey, correction, you left it here last Saturday when you came over" I corrected. He continued to laugh while I rolled my eyes with a smile. "Shut up and open your gift" I ordered. I slapped his arm lightly. Once his laughter subsided, he lifted the lid of the box. I watched as his eyes widened. I bit my bottom lip in anticipation since he just stared at it in silence. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. It was nervewracking.

"I know it's old fashioned and not the same as what you used to have when you were younger but when your mother told me how much you loved to listen to old music on one of these with your father, I decided to get you a vintage briefcase turntable with The Rolling Stones vinyl, which I remember you told me that it was your favourite band" I explained myself. His mother had told me not long ago a bit about Daniel and his father. I was lucky to get the present from the antique shop at a good price using the money I saved up from babysitting.

When he remained silent, staring at the record player with an emotionless expression, I started to worry. I frowned, leaning forward and tilting my head to look him in the eyes a little closer to see if I could determine what he was thinking or how he was feeling. My eyes widened when he reached out to grab my waist and pull me onto his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck to steady myself. He then crushed our lips together. I was taken aback by his sudden action but kissed back after my mind registered what happened. 

"And what was that for?" I asked in a breathy tone when we pulled away, our foreheads resting against each other. He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and grinned. 

"For being caring and perfect, I love it," he said in a gruff voice. I smiled in return. We stayed in the same position for a couple of minutes until I decided I should probably get off from his lap but he gave my waist a squeeze, keeping me in place. I raised a brow in question. He simply unwrapped one of his arms from my waist to reach around me and pull my present over beside us. 

"You are so weird" I mumbled while shaking my head. 

I turned slightly in his arms to lift the lid, only to gasp in surprise. In the box was a deluxe art set and beside it was an opened rectangular velvet case, revealing a red eternity rose. This must have cost him a fortune. I've wanted the art set for ages now but I never told him, only my family knows. If I had to guess, my grandmother told him about it. I couldn't believe he would get me these two presents. I felt a sudden sense of guilt for him spending so much money on me. It made me feel like a gold digger. 

"I love it...." I trailed off. 

"But?" he questioned with a frown.

"But I feel guilty that you're spending all your money on me, you should save it for yourself, I'm happy with just being around you" I confessed. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled. 

"You scared the shit out of me there for a second, I spend my money on you because I want to and because you deserve it, you shouldn't feel guilty for something that's not your fault, it's my decision, I wanted to make our first holiday together special" he reassured me. I tilted my head to the side and quirked my lip up into a half-smile.

"You always know just what to say" I beamed.

For the rest of the night, we spent our time together cuddling on the floor with our backs resting against my bed while watching on my laptop some Netflix. Though at some point in the night, I convinced him to take a couple of photos with me as a way to remember this moment of our first Christmas. I had forgotten to give him the drawing that night since I fell asleep. But when I woke up the next day, with him gone and the drawing along with him, I knew he took it. He left a note on my nightstand that made my day. It read:

Thank you for the present and the drawing of us beautiful, I'll make sure to frame it, you truly have a gift, Columbia is going to love you next year