I tied the front of my hair to the back in a half ponytail before taking a deep breath. It was nerve-racking going to a new school during my senior year of school. My plan is to survive the year and try my best to get into Columbia University, the performing arts school in New York, New York even though we live in Santa Monica. I hope to one day display my artworks in the galleries along with all the other greats. My favourite masterpiece is 'The Starry Night' painting by Vincent Van Gogh. I know it'll take time to get to a professional level but I'm willing to give it my all. 

My outfit consisted of blue high waisted skinny ripped jeans, a pink, blue, white and grey coloured striped knitted sweater and white shoes. When I was tying my shoelaces, I heard Evelyn's car horn honk rapidly. One day she's going to piss off one of my neighbours with that and I'm going to get in trouble for it. She's got to stop being impatient with me. I huffed before rushing to collect my things and leaving to enter Evelyn's car. I greeted Evelyn with a hug and a smile. She then drove off to school with our favourite song blaring out on the radio while we both sang along.  

I noticed that Evelyn dyed her hair again since she tends to do that at least every couple of months. Her natural dark blond hair colour must have started to show again so she decided to dye it last night. She's been dying her hair since she was sixteen but it became continuous last year. She wanted to be unique in a way and I guess the only way she thought she could do that was to change her hair colour as soon as her natural hair colour starts to show? It's weird but it suits her. Her hair is now dyed teal and she plaited the left side of her hair, pinning it to the right so it disappears behind the other half of her hair that was down and wavy like mine.

Evelyn tends to dress a little bit dark because she says she likes to match her personality of being bitter to everyone in her school. She was wearing a white singlet crop top paired with a black skirt and black combat boots. She had some bracelets and necklaces on, one of them was the one I gave to her, which was the amethyst crystal necklace. I'm wearing the opal crystal necklace that Evelyn gave me. It was kind of like something to represent our friendship. We've had these necklaces ever since before Evelyn moved away.

When we arrived at the school, it felt like everyone was staring at me just because I was new here. It was uncomfortable because I was correct, people were watching my every movement while whispering to each other. I thought I could go through the year pretending to be invisible but that may be hard with the attention I was getting at the moment. And it's only been a couple of minutes. I ignored the stares as Evelyn and I walked towards the office to collect my timetable and locker details. Unfortunately, our locker's wouldn't be located next to each other. 

"Let me see your timetable please" Evelyn ordered, sticking her hand out while we walked. I handed her my timetable to let her skim through it, probably checking to see if we had any classes together this year. "Aw, we're not in any classes together," Evelyn pouted. She handed me back my timetable.

"Really? Well, I guess I'm alone in all my classes now" I shrugged. Damn it, and here I thought I wouldn't be alone in any of my classes for my first day.

"Don't worry, maybe you'll make a friend in class" Evelyn reassured me.

"I hope so because I don't want to spend the whole year in a class where I'm by myself," I said. She threw her head back and laugh.

"I doubt you will" Evelyn scoffed.

I ignored her last comment. I know she thinks it's easy for me to make friends considering at my other school I knew almost everyone but it's not what it seems. I had to live up to their expectations, to always help them even when I was hurting inside. Only one person was genuine. It's not easy anymore. We stopped in front of my designated locker and I put all my books inside except for the ones that I needed for my morning classes. Evelyn's eyes moved to look across the hall. Her face scrunched up into a scowl as she crossed her arms. I glanced over my shoulder to see who had caught her attention. It looked like she was staring at that Ivy chick and Daniel talking to each other.

"Little bastard" Evelyn muttered bitterly.

"Oh leave them alone Evelyn, they're just talking," I pointed out with a roll of the eyes as I closed my locker.

"No, they're evil, they're probably concocting up an evil plan to ruin me or worse! Do something to you because you're new and sweet!" Evelyn shouted. A couple of heads turned in our direction to stare. I cringed at the unwanted attention again. Of course, she had to yell it out loud so everyone can hear. Because more people should know that I'm 'fragile' in Evelyn's eyes.

"Ok firstly, keep your voice down before the whole city hears you and secondly, I doubt it now stop being paranoid" I scolded. I looked back at them, only for my eyes to meet Daniel, who was already staring at me. he quirked his lips to the side in a half-smile and I returned the gesture. Evelyn looked at both of us suspiciously. 

Oh no

"What was that?" Evelyn demanded.

"What do you mean?" I asked, pretending to be confused.

"That! You both smiled at each other and Daniel never smiles at anyone, maybe once or twice with his friends but that's a rare occasion, did something happen?" Evelyn questioned, narrowing her eyes.

"No, you're just overreacting, it was a smile, stop overthinking it and worrying too much about me, I'll be fine, plus you're starting to act like my mother" I joked.

"Oh haha Harmony but I'm only trying to protect you because I don't want you to get hurt or surprised by the bad people here, they're not like the others at your old school" Evelyn explained. I'd beg to differ. I've seen enough bad people in my life to protect myself. I don't think I'd be surprised if they turned out bad after I've given them a chance to proven others wrong.

"I know they're not and I don't expect anything but I'm more than capable of protecting myself" I reassured her.

"Fine, I'll try" Evelyn complied with a huff.

"Thank you" I grinned.

I headed off to chemistry class once the bell rang. Luckily my class was just down the hall, on the right. I sat down at a free seat at the back of the room alone and took out my reading glasses. The teacher hadn't arrived yet so I began drawing in my notebook. It was of a close up picture of a girl, crying, the sadness in her eyes being prominent. 

"Sorry class that I'm late, I had to print some work out" the teacher rushed out once he entered the classroom.

I looked at the possibly 40-year-old man who had a briefcase in his hand, panting. His name was Mr Miller. He began the class while I wrote down notes though at times I would lose focus. My eyes would wander towards the window to look outside at the greenery. My thoughts would go to either Daniel or memories of my old school. I was starting to miss the one friend I had there, Maddie. We still kept in contact over the phone here and there but not as often as I'd like since she will most likely be busy with working and trying to build up a portfolio to get into an art college like me. 

After twenty minutes into the class, the door slammed opened and in came rushing a girl with black hair that was french braided. She was panting and slightly bent over, holding onto her knees, looking as if she just ran a marathon. Mr Miller glanced at the clock before narrowing his eyes at her. I almost laughed when he opened his mouth to speak but she put her index finger up to stop him. Mr Miller shut his mouth. I watched as she straightened up and took a deep breath before motioning for the teacher to continue. I'm surprised Mr Miller didn't start scolding her when she ran into the room. He must have patience, unlike most teachers I can imagine. 

"Well now that you've interrupted my class, Miss Garcia, you can go take a seat" Mr Miller ordered. The girl rolled her eyes before scanning the room for a spare seat. She then walked to the one next to me. She sat down and turned to smile.

"Hey I'm Ruby, you?" she chirped, sticking out her hand to me. I shook her hand and returned the gesture.

"I'm Harmony," I replied.

"Nice to meet you, btw love your name" Ruby complimented.

"Thank you, I love your name too," I said.

We ended up talking quietly throughout the entire class though I made sure to still write notes while she copied. When class was over, Ruby took one look at my timetable and started squealing causing a lot of heads to turn our way. I flinched at how high pitch it was. She let me know very loudly that we had all our classes together. I can see she was a very energetic person. I'm was pleased to have made a new friend like Ruby, she seems like she would always give off positive vibes whenever people are around her. Plus she was funny and kind. Thank god I won't be alone this year. 

Next class was my favourite, art. I'm keen to get my hands dirty with paint and show some creativity. I need to build up my portfolio so I have to start collecting up my best work so I can aim for an early scholarship. I'm hoping to start on a big painting that'll take the longest to create than most of the other ones I've done. I followed Ruby to sit by the window and we began to talk again. From what I've gotten to know so far is that she loves fashion, she wants to be a designer in the future. She's very organise oriented, especially when it comes to events like parties, she's obsessed with Gossip Girl, the colour pink, animals, poetry, especially by Christopher Poindexter, and is apparently spontaneous. I'm scared for her to elaborate on that.

The teacher walked in a minute later and introduced herself as Mrs Stone. She then started to discuss about a french artist that I read about once, Claude Monet. He was the one that created 'Impression, Sunrise' and it became as the 'Exhibition of the Impressionists'. That only took around half an hour before she told us that we had to draw something but we had to create it like Monet did, using the technique of impressionism. She allowed us to listen to music so Ruby took out her phone and earphones so we could both listen to some tunes during the lesson. 

Stomping footsteps entered the classroom. Another late student I guess. I was distracted by drawing the Central Park Mall. It's a place I hope to visit if I end up going to Columbia College in New York. It's always seemed so spectacular in photo's I've seen when researching about the city. I'd go there if I ever wanted to clear my head or just go for a simple walk. I imagine it would even more mesmerising in Autumn and Winter, especially since it snows there. Just the thought of ever getting to go to New York had me feeling giddy inside. 

"Hey, look who's staring at you" Ruby whispered to me as she nudged my side lightly with her elbow.

She motioned her head behind her. I turned to look over my shoulder to see what Ruby was talking about. My eyes locked with a pair of familiar eyes again. Daniel was sitting with his friend from the wedding, staring at me. He had a blank expression. I couldn't determine what he was thinking. Nothing could give away how he was feeling. It was almost mysterious and made me curious as to what was going on in his head. Before I could make myself look even more like a freak for staring too long, I turned back to focus on my drawing. Ruby kept glancing at Daniel and me with a Cheshire type grin.

"Did you see that? He's still staring, maybe he likes you" Ruby squealed in a hushed tone.

"It's probably nothing, I mean everyone has been staring at me today since I'm new" I shrugged it off.

"I doubt it but I guess we can't know unless he does something else to show that he is interested in you" she sighed.

I didn't reply. It made me think back to yesterday when Daniel and I almost kissed. I think that was just the heat of the moment, nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to keep my hopes up just in case it's only one-sided. It's only been two days that we've talked to each other if you don't include today. Shoving the memory our of my thoughts, I continued to work. I finished my drawing by the time the bell rang. I packed my things up and left with Ruby.

"I'm starting to get hungry" Ruby thought out loud. 

"Well we only got English next and then it's lunch so not long to go" I reassured her.

"I know but still, I need food in my stomach" Ruby whined as she patted her stomach.

I laughed while she kept jokingly complaining about wanting food. She was exaggerating about how hungry she was. Luckily, English went by fast though I found out that Daniel was in that class with me as well. This time however he seemed to be lost in thought. Occasionally I'd see him glance over at me though I didn't think too much into it. Once the bell rang for lunch, Ruby bolted out the door but waited outside impatiently for me. I chuckled before throwing my bag over my shoulder after making sure to put my glasses away. As we walked to the cafeteria, Ruby began to walk backwards while facing me. I spotted Evelyn as soon as I entered the cafeteria.

"Hey Harmony and....?" Evelyn trailed off, looking towards Ruby questioningly.

"I'm Ruby" Ruby introduced herself with a kind smile. She stuck her hand out towards her. Evelyn smiled back and shook her hand.

"Evelyn."

Another girl joined us soon after. She reminded me slightly of Evelyn since her hair was dark green ombre colour. Her hair though was tied in an updo bun with strands of curled hair falling against her face. She wore a simple black dress with a red leather jacket. I know that inside it's cold because of the air-conditioning but outside must be hot. Ruby was wearing something similar to what I was wearing yesterday which was denim short overalls but with a grey short sleeve shirt and grey converse. It's funny how this girl and Evelyn look a bit the same with their taste in clothing while Ruby and I kind of dress the same.

"Hello, I'm Harmony" I greeted with a small wave.

"I'm Kylee, nice to meet you, Evelyn told me you were going to be coming here this year, I hope no one has bothered you yet," Kylee said with a smile. Even though she looked intimidating, she still seemed friendly.

"Nope, no one has bothered me yet" I shrugged. 

"That's good" she nodded. 

"I will fuck anyone up with whoever decides to mess with you" Evelyn sneered. She narrowed her eyes over at the table across the room, where Daniel sat with his two guy friends and Ivy. 

"I think he likes her" Ruby commented with confidence. I tried to hide my face while she grinned. Kylee rolled her eyes. Evelyn looked at Ruby as if she were crazy. There was a look of pure disgust on her face. Her face scrunching up as if she were about to gag. I wish she wouldn't do that. It was an exaggeration of her reaction towards Daniel. It was frustrating at times. 

"The only thing he likes is going through girls like it's tinder and he's swiping right on just about nearly every girl" Evelyn scoffed.

"But then he finds a 'flaw' in them and it's bye-bye birdy for them" Kylee added snidely, using air quotes.

Evelyn nodded in agreement while Ruby looked about ready to argue with them. I remained silent, not wanting to interrupt their back and forth argument. I had no desire to get myself into this discussion about Daniel. I had opposite thoughts about him which wouldn't go so well with them. They'd probably disapprove of my feelings towards him. It felt like almost every conversation I had with Evelyn mainly led to the topic of Daniel and her immense hate for him. Sometimes I feel like that's all she cares about, more so now that their parents are married and they live in the same house together.  

I sighed, listening to them to bicker with one another. They were getting way too loud. I could feel a headache coming on. I took out my lunch and spare notebook that I used for my drawings. I needed to do something to unwind my thoughts because it felt like everyone was focusing on me today. It would be my distraction until they stop to notice that I wasn't paying attention nor was I bothered to involve myself into the conversation. At some point, they would turn to me as if waiting for me to put my two cents in but I just shook my head while continuing to sketch. 

After a couple of minutes, my agitation towards their conversation started to spike. I abruptly got up and walked off. The others didn't notice that I'd left. Ruby was busy fangirling over what Daniel and me's ship name would be and Evelyn and Kylee were arguing about how much of a terrible person Daniel was, insulting him the whole time. I didn't want to hear it, it was too much to handle. I just wanted to sit in silence for the rest of lunch before I had to go to my next class. I decided to sit behind the bleachers that were next to the football field. I went back to my drawing while I bobbed my head to the music blaring out from my phone.

"What are you drawing there?" 

I jumped and fumbled to close my notebook to hide it away from the looming figure. I spun my head to look behind me with my eyes wide. Daniel was there, laughing while he hovered over me. I glared at him until he stopped laughing. I watched as he sat next to me, cross-legged but was so close that our arms kept brushing against each other. Daniel leaned over to look at my drawing in my notebook that I had reopened before a smirk played across his lips. It confused me for a second until I looked down. I inwardly wanted to scold myself at the fact that again I was drawing him. I hadn't meant to draw him but I guess I drew the person's features to be similar to Daniel's. I've really got to stop doing this, especially since I just got caught in the action.

"I see you were fantasising about me" he teased. I slammed my notebook shut and looked away.

"I was not, I was just....." I trailed off. My mind went blank. There was no excuse I could use. Daniel raised a brow at me. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"You were what Harmony?" he hummed.

"I wasn't fantasising about you!" I exclaimed defensively. He simply glanced at my closed notebook before looking at me again. "I wasn't! I was just drawing subconsciously and I guess you came into my head since Evelyn, Kylee and Ruby were arguing about you" I explained, trying to defend myself.

"Arguing about me?" Daniel repeated slowly as he tilted his head.

"Evelyn and Kylee argued that you were bad to interact with and Ruby has this idea in her head that you like me just because you were looking at me during art class so she's arguing against them" I explained. 

"And yet you're still here, talking to me, even after what your friends say, why?" Daniel questioned.

"Because I don't believe that you're a bad guy, you haven't given me a reason to believe that you are" I shrugged.

"That's a first that someone has said that, usually when someone hears things about me that are always negative, they run away" he admitted.

"Well I'm not and I don't plan to" I reassured him. The corners of his lips quirked upwards.

"Want to get out of here with me?" Daniel asked.

"Isn't it the first day of senior year? I don't want to get in trouble if they find out" I hesitated.

"Trust me, they won't find out, you're with me" Daniel reassured me with a wink.

He stood up and stretched his hand out to me. Even though it was probably a bad idea, I put my hand in his. Daniel grinned, looking satisfied. He helped me up and we walked out from behind the bleachers, towards the car park out front of the school. We had to make sure that no teachers or the principal, Mr Shepard, were around to catch us. Mr Miller was outside, scanning the area since class should have already started. When he turned to walk inside, we ran towards Daniel's pickup truck. 

"Harmony!" I heard someone call out. 

I didn't have time to stop and look at who it had been, I didn't want to risk getting caught. I'll have to deal with it tomorrow. We were quick to jump into Daniel's truck and drive off. We began laughing. It was too easy to ditch. I should be concerned that someone saw us leaving together. I don't if it was Evelyn, Ruby, Kylee, or someone else. I pray that it isn't anyone I know. The last thing I needed was to be lectured by Evelyn or anyone else. I cleared my thoughts of any worries so I could enjoy the rest of my day. It's not like anything bad is going to happen if I start hanging out with Daniel. I need some sort of freedom and this is it.