Ruby kept staring at my neck the whole morning while we were on our way to school. Her eyes were narrowed at the spot since she was sitting beside me in the back. Ivy was seated in the front. Kylee had offered Ivy a ride to school with us yesterday to which she agreed. The two of them haven't had time to see the hickey Daniel gave me last night but Ruby has. She is probably busting to ask me questions about it. Yesterday I managed to hide the hickey but today it was more noticeable with it peaking past my shirt.  

I had worn a black and white striped long-sleeved shirt, tied at the bottom, along with black high waisted ripped jeans and white canvas sneakers. I regret not wearing a sweater that would better hide the hickey because now they are going to be talking about it. Daniel will be smug about it. My mother and grandmother instantly saw it, which was embarrassing. Then they saw my eye and nose and their mood changed drastically. They asked about what happened and I spilled everything to them. 

The only part that I didn't mention was that I slapped Evelyn. They'd scold me for it. It's what started the fight and I was still healing from the accident. My mother helped treat my eye. I knew they disapproved of Evelyn's actions. They wanted to talk to Carlson and Mariah about her. I convinced them not to. It wasn't going to help much. But Ivy and I are hoping that what we have planned will make her back off from all of us. We were prepared in case Evelyn would reject our terms. It was bad that we were stooping to her level by blackmailing her but it had to be done. 

"Ok, that's it! I have to know! When the fuck did you get that hickey?!" Ruby yelled once Kylee parked her car. I blushed as Kylee and Ivy both turned around to look around their seats at us. 

I'm so glad she didn't say that in front of the whole school

"Uh....you see...." I trailed off. Kylee and Ivy looked at each other then at me.

"The Ferris wheel," they said in unison. 

"Wait how do you know-?"

"It was easily noticeable and we saw you two from the other carriage" Ivy replied with a smirk. My eyes widened. I groaned and put my head in my hands. 

"Damn it Daniel" I muttered under my breath while my friends all laughed. 

I huffed and rolled my eyes before exiting the car. The others followed close behind as I walked into the school. The crowd surrounding my locker stopped me in my tracks. They were murmuring while turning to glance at me. Kylee and Ivy made them move to make a path for me. I slowly walked up but stopped, frozen in place at what was spray-painted on my locker. In big black letters, it read 'whore'. I started to hyperventilate as Ruby stood next to me, rubbing my shoulder in a comforting manner. 

"Who the fuck wrote this!?" Kylee fumed, scowling at the crowd. 

"Speak up now you pussies!" Ivy ordered. I had a good idea of who would do this. This time though, I was certain. Last time it was a guess but I'm confident I'm correct now. I clenched my fists by my sides in anger. I had to close my eyes and take deep breaths to control myself. The murmurs had ceased and all eyes were on me now. "Well!?" Ivy shouted. No one spoke. No one owned up. I know she won't. She has always hid from the consequences of her actions so why own up to anything now?

"What the fuck happened here!?" 

I shivered as Daniel's voice boomed throughout the hall. His footsteps echoed past the crowd. His appearance had managed to rouse the crowd again. This time they were whispering about Daniel. Ruby stepped back as he appeared next to me. He narrowed his eyes at the writing before directing his gaze towards me. He turned me to face him, away from the nightmare. He was trying to shift my focus from the locker to him. I looked into his eyes. It managed to calm my anger slightly. 

"Are you ok?" he whispered so no one else would hear us. I nodded in response. "Do you know who would do this?" he asked. I hesitated to answer.

"I think Evelyn did this" I mumbled. Daniel growled, clenching his fist similar to me. When he went to go after her, I quickly grabbed his wrist. He turned his head to look at me with furrowed eyebrows. "Let me handle it, please" I pleaded. He went to speak but stopped himself, nodding instead. I walked up to Ivy, who stared at me in confusion with a frown etched across her lips.

"Ivy, you coming? It's time."

Ivy's frown twisted into a smirk of mischievous. She nodded eagerly before following me towards where I knew Evelyn would be. I didn't care who else followed, I was determined. There was fire in my eyes. Cheerleading practice was supposed to be held this morning at the football field. She would definitely be there but she was in for a rude awakening. I've had enough of her bullshit jealousy. Just when I think she can't top her previous actions, she proves me wrong. She needs to be put in her place and learn that I won't tolerate her trash behaviour. 

Evelyn immediately took notice of my presence and stopped what she was doing to smirk. She had her hand on her hip with a smug expression. The look alone confirmed my suspicions but I wanted to hear her admit it. Admit the fact that she had vandalised my locker just to spite me.  "I'm guessing you know why we're here?" I questioned with a glare.

"No please enlighten me, to what do I owe this wonderful visit?" Evelyn intentionally provoked.  

"Does spray painting my locker ring any bells?"

"No, no bells, must not have been me, sorry." Evelyn shrugged. She looked disingenuine. That was because she was, she didn't care, when has she ever cared about anything or anyone but herself? Probably never. 

"Your hands are stained with black ink dumbass, nice try at covering up your crime" Ivy sarcastically said with a roll of the eyes. Evelyn quickly glanced towards her hands, which was in fact stained with black ink. She tried to hide both her hands behind her back.

"That proves shit" she spat.

"Actually it proves a lot but hey, I guess it's your word against mine right?" Ivy jeered. Evelyn scoffed.

"Of course it is, who would the principal believe? You, the one who causes trouble along with Daniel or you, the one who's caused trouble by being associated with Daniel and has been ditching almost every week, I mean what kind of student is that? I'm surprised any college would ever accept you" she snickered. I narrowed my eyes while Ivy clenched her fists. I hate to admit that she's probably right. Ivy and I weren't exactly a model student. I don't think the principal would trust our words. Evelyn would make an excuse and she'd get off scot-free with no justice. 

"Oh, and you think he'll believe you? Because may I add that you fucking have the proof tainted on your hands!" I raged. Evelyn simply rolled her eyes. 

"I can just say that I was in the art room, painting and got some on my hands, easy" she shrugged. It only angered me more. Does Evelyn really think she can get away with all that she's done? She can't just do anything and expect herself to get away with it.

"So you admit that you did spray paint her locker?" Ivy questioned, raising one eyebrow.

"Of course I did because you, Harmony my friend, deserved it, you whore" Evelyn sneered. It hurt more to hear her say it rather than for me to read it off my locker. I tried not to let it get to me. 

"Thank you so much, Eva, for that because now it's our word against yours" Ivy smirked. 

My focus shifted from Evelyn to Ivy, frowning in confusion. I realised then what she was talking about because she held up her phone with the recording. We both high fived and grinned. Evelyn was fuming. She looked like she was about to have a temper tantrum. I knew she was most likely going to act on impulse and either say something harsh or start a fight. Either won't end well, especially on school ground. People were looking at us and a few had gathered to watch the drama unfold.

I looked around, instantly spotting Daniel at the bottom of the bleaches, resting against the metal bar along with Ace, Lukas, Kylee and Ruby. Daniel had a smirk on his lips. He was surely enjoying the show that we had put on for the school to watch. Class hadn't started since we had come early to school so this was just something to occupy their attention until then or until a teacher comes to stop us. I hadn't noticed my friends at first or anyone else because I had lost focus on my surroundings until now. I'm glad they were there for support though. 

"Give me that bitch!" Evelyn shouted, lunging for Ivy's phone. Ivy was quick to sidestep, making Evelyn fall face-first into the dirt. A chorus of 'oh's' resounded throughout the area. Some people watching took out their phone to record. Evelyn screamed in frustration. Ivy snickered before crouching down to snap a picture of Evelyn's face covered in dirt. 

"Say cheese" Ivy laughed. Evelyn tried again to snatch Ivy's phone but missed since Ivy stepped back and stood up. "Oh my god, this is too good."

"You'll pay for this" Evelyn growled. She sat up and wiped the dirt off her.

"Actually..." Ivy trailed off before turning towards me so I could continue.

"You won't, you're going to comply with our terms to leave not only me alone, but also leave Daniel and Ivy alone, you are going to stop your blackmailing and your scheming to break me and Daniel up because it's not going to work, you'll go along with your day and never talk to us again or else we won't hesitate to send the footage that Lukas has to not only your father but to the police of you breaking into the liquor store and stealing about, hm? Three bottles of vodka was it? Wonder what they'd say about that" I threatened. 

My lips curled up into a smirk at the furry on her face. Her cheeks were red, she was taking deep breaths while clenching her fists at her sides. I was bluffing about the footage but Evelyn didn't have to know that. I just needed to convince her that I had proof of that night in order for her to agree on backing off. If she knew there wasn't proof, she probably would continue since it didn't stop her before on doing shit. I hate that I had to stoop to her level but it was the only way that she'd stop her crazy actions. 

"You wouldn't fucking dare" Evelyn raged. I raised one eyebrow, challenging her. I wasn't scared of her nor was I backing down. She wasn't going to get away with this. It was time she finally got what she deserved. 

"Try me and we'll see who's bluffing" I dared.

"Is this really how you repay me?" she questioned, standing up.

"Repay you? For what? For trying to ruin my life? Evelyn, you have never suffered any consequences for any of your selfish actions, so stop whatever you are thinking about because you're not going to convince me to back out of this, I'm set on what I said" I stated, standing my ground against her. Some people started to cheer, I could hear my friends specifically the loudest. 

"I have suffered consequences for my actions, Daniel blackmailed me, that was suffering enough" Evelyn argued. 

"Are you kidding? That's suffering to you? That's bullshit since he stopped as soon as your parents got married and I met him, you provoked him to blackmail you! Now tell me, when have you ever taken accountability for any of your actions?!" I snapped. 

That was it for Evelyn, it seemed to set her off completely because the next thing I knew, she lunged at me. I fell to the ground, my back colliding with the ground. It may have been a grassy field but it still hurt. I had to shift my focus from the pain throughout my upper body to Evelyn who was trying to punch me yet again. No surprises there. I was quick to catch her fist like I did yesterday, holding her gaze with similar narrowed eyes. 

"You are just like your father slut" Evelyn spat. 

Something in me just snapped. It's what triggered me. I was going to end the fight, give her a chance to walk away but she had to go ahead and compare me to my father. Yesterday she knew mentioning my father would hurt me and it worked. Now it's happened again but I couldn't control myself this time. I had flipped us around and used all my might to punch her across the face. I blocked out the cheers from our peers as I focused on Evelyn. Another punch across her face sent her groaning in pain. Her lip was bleeding. She was probably going to have a horrible bruise after this. 

Before I could cause any further harm to Evelyn's face, an arm was hooked around my waist and I was pulled off. I knew who it was in an instant at the familiar touch. I fought to get out of his strong grip. Evelyn sat up and narrowed her eyes towards me. Her cheek had started to swell slightly. She spat in my direction. I was ready to do more damage but Daniel was quick to spin me around and pick me up. He threw me over his shoulder. I let out a yelp in surprise. He walked through the crowd that kept cheering us on and filming. I threw up both of my middle fingers at her while she watched.

"Fuck you bitch! Know your place next time!" I shouted with spitfire.

"Move it you fuckers! Now!" Daniel growled at whoever refused to move. 

I peeked over his body to see the principal walking over to the crowd of people. Luckily Daniel had gotten me out of there in time but I just hope Evelyn doesn't rat me out. If she believed me and learns her lesson, she'd shut up. Even though I should be relieved that she may get in trouble with the principal, I was still filled with furry. When we got to the parking lot, Daniel placed me down to sit on the passenger seat while he stood in front of me with the door wide open, shielding me from others view.

"Are you ok?" he asked softly. He scanned my face for any injuries.

"I'm fine, she didn't get a chance to hit me" I reassured him. Daniel sighed in relief. Evelyn may have tackled me to the ground like a football player but for now, I felt alright. Luckily the pain in my upper body had subsided. I huffed while running my hand through my hair, pushing it back. "I hate that I let her get to me again, ugh! What's wrong with me!? Why am I so fucking weak?!"

"Nothing is wrong with you neither did you do anything wrong, Evelyn is the one that's fucked up, she had an intent to hurt you, all you did was stand your ground and showed her that you're not fucking weak, you're anything but" Daniel stated. 

I didn't know what to do other than to remain silent. I looked down to avoid his intense gaze. I may have stood my ground but I didn't feel any better. She knew how to purposely hurt me by getting to my head. I wish I knew how she found out about my father when there was no one else that would tell her. Now Evelyn being her manipulative self, she's going to bring it up constantly to get a reaction out of me. I'm weak when it comes to the topic of my father. I fail to conceal my true emotions and I despise that. Unless we convinced her to stop messing with us then she will just continue and get away with it.

Daniel cupped my cheek and tilted my head up to connect our gazes. He allowed me to see the sincerity swirling in his eyes. "Trust me when I say you are not just the most sexiest girl ever but you are also the most strongest girl I know and no one can tell you otherwise because today you showed people that you no matter what, nothing can tear you down" Daniel proclaimed. 

He was showing me that he was being serious. No jokes, just pure honesty. It managed to make my worries and insecurity about being weak vanish. The corners of my mouth turned up in a smile. I jumped up to wrap my arms around his neck. He stepped back from the unexpected impact but wrapped his arms around me nonetheless. I rest my head on his shoulder with closed eyes, relishing in the moment.

"Thank you, what would I do without you?" I mumbled.

"Probably perish" he joked. I instantly pulled away and lightly slapped his arm with a pout. Daniel simply threw his head back and laughed before leaning down to kiss me. 

"Eh! Break it up! You two are still on school grounds!" 

Daniel groaned in annoyance while I peered over his shoulder. Ruby was walking over to us with a stern glare. Following behind her were Kylee, Ivy, Lukas and Ace. "Always bad timing, every time" he grumbled. 

"Next time babe" I joked. His lips curved upwards in a charming smile when I called him babe. He took a step back and leaned against the inside of the open car door just as our friends were approaching us. Ruby immediately pulled me up and embraced me.

"I'm so proud of you!" she exclaimed. My arms were pressed against my sides. I couldn't move them with how tightly she was hugging me. 

"Thanks, I would hug you back but you're kind of preventing me from moving my arms with how tightly you're hugging me" I mumbled. She let me go as soon after, allowing me to inhale some air.

"Sorry, I'm just so happy" Ruby beamed.

"You did good, you showed her that you won't tolerate her bullshit" Kylee praised. 

"You put her in her place, that bitch deserved everything she got, she had it coming with her manipulative and trash personality" Ivy grinned. 

"That was amazing! Just wish I recorded it" Lukas whooped. 

"I didn't even know you could punch" Ace said. 

I was overwhelmed by the amount of praises coming from my friends. Fighting wasn't something I approved of but today I resorted to using my fists. It was the first time I ever punched someone. I may have done boxing when I'd go to the gym with Maddie before I moved but I didn't think I would hit Evelyn as hard as I did. As much as she deserved it, I wouldn't do it again. Today was a rare day where I had lost all control of my anger. I hate to admit that It felt satisfying to get even with her for all that she's done. 

"Thanks, guys for the support, I just hope she got the message to leave us alone," I said. 

"I'm sure she did because when the principal yelled at her for getting into a fight, he demanded to know who with and she just sat there, quietly, not uttering a single word meaning she didn't rat you out" Lukas explained. 

That's some good news I needed to hear. One of my worries before was that I would get ratted out and end up suspended or expelled for getting into a fight. I could not have that happen. I don't want to lose my scholarship over this. The first time I almost did lose it all because of her actions, which she still got away with. This time, I couldn't be the one to ruin something that has been my dream since I got into art all just because of a friendship or failed friendship drama. I doubt they'd give me a third chance to redeem myself, especially since I only got the scholarship because Daniel helped me out and save me.

"Well I'm glad, I guess we don't have to worry, she's not going to be a problem anymore" I shrugged. 

"How about to celebrate we take you out to get some food?" Ruby suggested.

"Are you just hungry?" I asked, raising one eyebrow. 

"Yes, I didn't have breakfast and my stomach is growling" she grumbled. I contemplated on going. School had started twenty or thirty minutes ago most likely. There's no point in going to first period. Everyone had gone inside and are in class. I should probably be in class as well since Evelyn had been right. I ditch school more often than I should. I already missed one week of work.

"Maybe I shouldn't skip another day of school and just stay" I declined their offer.

"Oh no you don't, if you are staying just because of what Evelyn said then I will slap you myself" Ivy threatened. 

"We are taking you out, who cares, this will be the last time you ditch, plus you need it to relax" Kylee stated. I hesitated in agreeing. I guess it wouldn't hurt to take today off to cool down and just be around my close friends. 

"Ok, fine" I gave in. Ruby squealed and hugged me again. I chuckled, hugging her back. 

"Well then, let's all go, I think I know a place," Lukas said.

"Harmony will ride with me" Daniel spoke up, his eye's already on me. 

"As expected" Ivy muttered, rolling her eyes. Lukas made the sound of a whip with his mouth. Ace nodded in agreement with a smirk.

"Whipped" Ace snickered. Daniel put up the middle finger.

"Fuck you both" he glared. 

"We'll see you there ok?" Kylee interrupted. I nodded in response before they walked off with Ivy pulling Ace and Lukas by their ears. I chuckled watching them whine while being dragged to Ace's car since Kylee and Ruby were going together in Kylee's car. 

"Ready to go beautiful?" Daniel asked once he got into the truck. I swung my legs to properly sit inside and closed the door. I then grinned towards him.

"To wherever the hell we're supposed to go to" I jokingly ordered. 

"Whatever the lady wants" he chuckled. Daniel turned on the ignition before driving out of the car park and to the place Lukas had messaged him.