DAISY

I could see the shock written all over his face. But one thing that I thought I would find first was surprise, yet he didn't look surprised. He looked as if he had remembered me, but he never thought that I would have remembered him too. Maybe he wanted me to forget. Maybe he forgot about that night or maybe he just didn't care. But he had to care, right? He knew that I witnessed that scene of him and the 'Gibson' guy right in front of my eyes. However, he trusted me not to say a thing to anyone. Luckily for him, his trust wasn't a hopeless case, because my lips had been sealed the moment I saw what happened.

I remember that night as if it happened yesterday. A former friend of mine - Cassandra - and I decided to let go for the night. Or in this case, Ive decided to let go for the night, because apparently I've always been so 'uptight' in her eyes. Well, one thing led to the other and after a mental breakdown I found myself in an alley way almost witnessing a murder scene. It sounded intense, but it was true. Since that day I watched over my back thinking that the mysterious guy with the magical green eyes would suddenly show up and get rid of me. I was very paranoid.

How have I been so blind to not recognize that it had been Jason this whole time? I mean all the clues- the amazing yet hard green eyes, the tattoos, the way he speaks and keeps himself and the leather jacket.

"You remember, don't you?" Jason suddenly asked after a long, tense moment of silence.

"Yeah." I murmured, still sniffling after my short moment of tears. Why was I being so sensitive again?

Oh, right. Jason called me a desperate whore. Daisy McKenway- the one that haven't kissed a guy in her life, who cringe at nude scenes in a movie, who has never slept with anyone or even fantasized about it, has been called a whore.

"Why, why did you do what you did?" I asked the question I've been longing to know since that night.

"It hasn't been your business then, and it's not your business now. Don't ask me again." He said, staring hard into space.

"Fine, but if you were so nice to me that night then why was you being a jerk when I first got here?"

"First of all, I have never had or wanted a roommate, so I acted on impulse when they told me a girl was going to room with me. And secondly, I've only realized it was you during the first week here." He muttered, pushing himself off the wall and walking back over to his bed.

That's why he had a change of attitude on the first day of classes.

I sighed and wiped a hand over my face. Well, this was quite the coincidence. I never thought I would have ever seen him again but look now. Fate was really funny, wasn't it?

"Doesn't change the fact that you were a jerk, and still are. I mean, why did you get angry at me for talking to Ace. He's my friend." I rolled my eyes at his stupid ways.

"Don't start with me, Daisy. He'll never be your friend, remember that."

"Whatever. I liked you better a year ago. The night that you actually liked me." I said.

He suddenly looked at me, glaring. "You think I don't like you? Then why the hell would I have cared if you got cold on the first day? And why would I be concerned when you were alone with a stranger? Because I don't fucking want anyone to hurt you," he snapped. "Don't you get that? That night a year ago, when I saw the fear that filled your eyes when you thought I would harm you made me never want to see that look ever again."

I looked at him, completely stunned. I could tell that he wasn't lying, which made this whole situation more complicated. This whole time I was being the stubborn one, not him. That day - the first day of classes - he only wanted me to change because he knew that it was cold outside, and he didn't want any creep to look at me. And now, he worried that I was alone with a stranger. Ace might have not have been a stranger to him, but to me he was. It all made great sense! God, why was I so oblivious and stupid?

"Jason. . . I'm so sorry. For being a total wack head and for calling you names." I apologized sincerely, walking over to him.

"Of course, you are," he muttered. "Because you are good girl Daisy. Innocent little angel, huh?"

"I never said that." I frowned.

"But you are. You make a shit person like me feel guilty for doing bad things." He said, looking thoughtful.

I sighed and sat down next to him. "You aren't a bad person." I mumbled honestly. He has proven to have morals and a conscious. Anyone with those weren't really as bad as they thought.

We sat in a moment of silence for about five long minutes, just thinking. I didn't know that Jason had this side to him. The way everyone described him, you would think he was some monster. But he wasn't. He might have acted all tough and had the 'I'm going to kill you' vibes mixed with his very colorful vocabulary, but inside he seemed like a really good person.

I hope I didn't see this all the wrong way and end up getting hurt in the future one day.

"Daisy,"

"Yeah?"

"What were you doing in that club that night? You really lied to me when you told me you come from London, huh?"

I immediately felt panicked. He couldn't know that I've been living with his enemy. He might literally kill me. What was I thinking coming up with such a stupid lie? He was the leader of one of the biggest gangs in the state, he was surely not stupid.

"I was visiting a friend." I said, trying to sound as sincere as I could.

"Are you lying to me?" He didn't believe me one bit, I could see it all over his face.

"No." I said shakily.

"Good," his voice was low. "Because I hate when people lie to me."

"I'm not, I swear." My heart was racing. I wasn't too worried. In three or four months, I would be out of his hair and in a new dorm room, and he will forget all about me and hopefully never have to find out.

"Good girl," he praised, lifting my chin up in his fingers. My eyes met his. "I'm sorry about what I said."

"It's okay." I mumbled, liking how his large fingers felt against my warm face.

"It's not okay. I'm a dick."

The name-calling was a dick move, but I wasnt going to say that aloud.

"And don't ever cry over anyone. Especially when you know yourself that you aren't a whore." I nodded.

Who was this guy? He certainly wasn't the Jason I met two weeks ago.

It was Saturday and after the eerie events that took place yesterday evening I agreed with myself that I needed space from everything- the dorm and campus itself. There was nothing fun for me to do outside of campus anyway so I decided that a few things from the grocery store wouldn't be bad. Besides, when last have I eaten something that didn't taste processed and come from a cafeteria? I always ate too little, but I needed all the energy I could get if I wanted to get any work done. I didn't feel the need to bother Penny or Mavis or any of the rest at ten in the morning, so I left on my own. I remembered - fortunately - where the nearest grocery store was. Luckily I got that tour from the group, otherwise I would have been completely lost.

When I got to the store, I felt a huge smile grace my lips. I knew that this was the place where you wasted your money uncontrollably, but it was also the place of delicious foods. When last have I even had any chocolate? Or Nutella? And that was an unusual thing for me. Back home - if you could even call that home- I nearly had Nutella pancakes every morning. Not having it for so long was truly weird.

I roamed the aisles and slowly thought about what I were to take. I wasn't the richest person on the block, so contemplation was a good thing for me. After a long moment of deciding I grabbed chocolates, pretzels, crisps, donuts, and Nutella.

"That'll be thirteen dollars, Miss." I nodded and stuffed my hand into my bag. I frowned when I felt my purse missing. What the earth? I glanced at the cashier's bored expression and shot him a quick, fake smile. I proceeded searching my bag in and out, left and right yet I didn't seem to find my purse. Ugh, just when I thought I deserved happiness. Why does this earth hate me so much? I groaned in frustration and roughly shoved my sling bag over my shoulder. Today was not one of my luckiest days.

"Uh, is there any way I can pay tomorrow?" I doubted that was possible, but I hopefully asked anyway.

"Of course not," He scoffed. "Next!"

I sighed sadly and begrudgingly trudged out of the store. With one hopeful glance at the stuff the men were currently putting back into place to where it belonged, I exited the shop and was met with a gush of wind. But this wind was different; it wasn't cold or chilly, it was warm which was quite the contrast to yesterday's weather. The temperature just couldn't seem to make up its mind.

While walking, I suddenly bumped straight into someone's chest. I muttered an apology and moved to walk away when a hand gripped my arm and held me in place. I knew it was weird, but for some odd reason I immediately knew who it was. Just that tingly and warm feeling. . .

"Jason," I acknowledged, looking at the ground. I couldn't help it, I was ripped of my dream.

"Why so sad, babe?" He asked, placing his fingers under my chin and lifting my head up. I blinked repeatedly, confused for a moment but partially because he looked extra good. Gracious! He's soft and amazing looking black hair was messily resting on top of his head, whereas the sides were shaved off. He had on his signature leather jacket and I idly wondered where this one came from seeing as I lost his other. I also looked at his tattoos peeking from the black T-shirt he was wearing and gosh! He looked sexy in an incredible, badass way.

I really needed to get my hormone in check.

"Daisy?"

"Oh, uh," I suddenly felt this overwhelming feeling to blush "Yeah?"

"You look sad," He pointed out. "Why?"

Deciding I should just tell the truth, I said, "I left my money at the dorm and couldn't buy myself some gummies or Nutella." I pouted.

He chuckled, an amused look on his face. "Don't pout, I might just kiss you."

I set my mouth into a straight line almost immediately after he said that. Kissing him wouldn't be bad, it would actually be really good. . . But I was not experienced, and it would be really embarrassing if he mentally insulted my kissing skills, or my lack thereof.

This caused him to laugh even more, and let me tell you, it sounded so low and sexy. . . Gosh! I was going crazy. After our 'situation' yesterday, I was supposed to be even more afraid of him, but I couldn't help but be more comfortable than afraid. I started trusting him, for a completely unexplainable reason. Perhaps because it was due to our meeting a year ago, when he could have hurt me but instead told me to get home safely. Now that was something to trust on.

"So. I know I'm the guy and all and I was supposed to be helping you out and stuff, but I only brought some cash for cigarettes and beer. Besides, even if I had a fucking million dollars on me, I wouldn't have bought shit because then that would make me some knight in shining armor and I'm anything but that." Jason said, scoffing at the end.

"How lovely." I said dryly.

"Indeed, I am." He smirked.

I pursed my lips and looked away.

"Come on, I have an idea." He gripped my hand in his much larger one and began pulling me towards the doors of the grocery store. I sighed, loving the feeling of my hand in his, not taking note of what he was doing in the first place. We got there quickly, there being in the middle of the goodys aisle. My eyes bulged as I stared at the potential loves of my life. Gummy bears and Nutella.

"I told you, I don't have any money here."

"Hush and do as I say." He whispered, pushing one of the grocery stores packets in my hand. Wait. . . I haven't even seen him snatch this- the packet that looked fresh and clean as it would when the cashier pulled it out behind the counter. Was he some sort of spy? Or was he related to The Flash? I mentally cackled. Good one, Daisy.

"Open it up and grab whatever you want then put them inside. Simple. As if you're shopping, but slight difference being you're not putting it in a basket but a bag. Now do it, I'll be right back."

My eyes widened to probably the size of ostrich eggs as I stared at him incredulously. He couldn't be serious, could he? He wanted me to steal? I haven't stolen anything in my life, and I didn't plan to in the future.

"What, no!" I whisper-yelled trying my best to be discreet.

"Yes, you are going to do this."

"No, Jason. I'm not you, I haven't done anything close to this level of bad and I don't plan to change that anytime soon. You can shoplift if you want but I'm too young to go to jail. Besides, how do you expect me to pull this off?!" I asked in a hushed whisper.

"Simple. Do it the old-fashioned way- be discreet." He smirked slightly.

"No." I deadpanned, crossing my arms.

"Yes,"

"No!"

"Yes, now take the fucking bag."

"No." I said stubbornly and shook my head, crossing my arms.

"Daisy," He muttered. "See this as the first fun, and dangerous thing you will ever do. Do you always want to be a shadow? A loser or a nerd?" He asked.

I sighed in defeat, knowing that there was no way I would win an argument with the stubborn gangster. "Fine, it seems like I've done great danger just being in your presence." I mumbled the last part.

"What?"

"Nothing. You do know that this is peer pressure, right?" I huffed, grabbing the bag from his grip.

"Yes, but like I told you. I'm more of the villain than the hero, little one."

"I'm not little!" I snapped, already frustrated with the whole situation. He just chuckled and winked, before walking away. I watched his movements and guess what? The asshole still wanted his beer.

After slowly and discretely shoving all the items that I took before and more into the bag, I tightly knotted it and glanced over my shoulder to the cashiers. They seemed bored and I even heard the sound of someone playing piano tiles, so I guess I was okay. For now.

"Babe,"

I jumped in surprised to see Jason. I glared at him for scaring me. "Don't call me that."

"What? Babe?" He looked amused.

"Yes, that."

"Cool, then I guess babe it is." I sighed, frustrated. He was extremely jokey and unusually different today. A good, non-scary type of different. But I was anxious and so scared of being caught, I couldn't even enjoy it.

"What now?"

"Now, babe," he chuckled quietly to himself. I scoffed. Idiot. "We walk out."

"What? That's your 'brilliant', 'genius IQ' plan, Mr. Smarty pants?" I asked, sarcasm lacing my tone.

"Duh? What did you expect? I'm not a damn spy or The Flash." He snapped.

I looked at him shocked. "You watch The Flash?" I asked in shock.

"No," he scoffed. "Alexis does and I caught glimpses of it a few times."

"Liar," I accused. "You definitely watch it."

"So fucking what? It's not your business.

"Fine, but we are having a personal conversation about this."

"Whatever. Let's go," he grabbed my hand and I didn't even try to pull away. He would never let me anyway, and he was right, what other way could we do it? "Keep the bag out of anyone's vision and don't sweat it, I'm right by your side."

I nodded feeling the nervousness slowly diminish due to his words.

"Come on."

And before you know it, I had officially done something bad.

"That was so cool!" I gushed, jumping up and down like a bunny.

"It was, wasn't it?" Jason smiled slightly.

"Yes! We should do it again sometime!"

"Hold your horses, cupcake. That was a once off thing for you."

"But. . . But I felt so badass." I muttered, frowning slightly. I mean, no one intended for that security guard to chase us, but he just did, and let me tell you the thrill, the adrenaline rush and the amazing feeling of the wind blowing through my hair felt awesome!

I wanted to do it again, but even I knew that it wouldn't happen.

"Badass?" He chuckled. "That was not badass, just poor person moves."

"Whatever you say, roomie."

When we got back to the dorm I happily threw every delicious item onto my bed. God, I really hope you don't punish me, I made a silent prayer because what I just did - stealing - was far from good and so not like me. It was not nice to do bad things, but I swear this would be the last time.

I sat down on my bed when my phone suddenly rang. I creased my eyebrows confused before retrieving my cellphone from my bag. The caller - who was so unexpected - caused me to nearly drop the phone. To my surprise, I still had her number.

It was Cassandra- my wonderful former 'best' friend.

I slowly answered and with hesitancy and placed the phone by my ear. "Hello?"

"Daisy," She answered quietly.

"Cassandra?"

"Hi." She greeted. At the sound of her voice, I felt my chest tighten. She was my friend and there for me for years. I'd be the biggest liar if I said I didn't miss her.

"Hey..?" I greeted once again, in question. I noticed Jason giving me a questioning look, but I ignored it.

I was met with silence for a very long moment and for some reason I could hear nervous breathing. I sighed. "What do you want, Cassandra?"

"Daisy, we really have to talk." She said.

"I'm listening."

"No, in person." She insisted.

"Cassandra, I have college and studying to do, unlike you." Ouch, I didnt mean for it to sound so harsh. "Besides, what could you possibly need from me?" I asked. I mean come on, the last words we spoke to each other weren't pleasant. Or more like what she said to me. I've always been the pushover, the doormat people walked over every day and the one left behind. She might've been my friend, but she never tried to prevent that or defend me.

"I deserved that, I really did. But I'm also trying to change and I'm honestly so, so sorry for being such a neglectful and bad friend. I really miss you, Daisy." She ended and I could imagine her smiling. I sucked in a long breath at her words. "If you ever find it in your heart to forgive me, please ring me up."

I smiled slightly. "I will." She was trying to redeem herself, and I was more than happy and proud for her.

"So, we'll stay in touch?" I asked slowly.

"Yeah, but I have to tell you something." She said, her voice suddenly lowering an octave.

"What is it?"

"Well, when you left a few weeks ago, Lucien has been looking all over for you. I know this sounds crazy but apparently he liked you for long. I know you might think that I only rang you up to tell you this but that's not true. I wanted to know how you're doing and warn you that Lucien is no one to mess with. Stay safe wherever you are and always be with people, okay?"

My heart beat increased in fear and worry. I gulped, glancing at Jason to see that his eyes never left me since I answered the call. She couldn't be serious could she? I've always thought that Lucien - the gang leader of the gang residing in my old town - has always just meaninglessly bantered with Cassandra and I just to tease. But what if he did that because he liked one of us. That one being me. It was a disturbing thought and possibility.

"Okay." I agreed.

"Good. Are you okay wherever you are?" She asked.

"I'm fine, thank you. You?"

"I'm trying to change. Wish me luck."

"Good luck, Cass." I smiled.

"Thank you. Goodbye Daisy, I hope to hear of you soon."

"Bye. You will."

"Bye." With that she hung up. My heart was still beating erratically. Partially because of the fact that Cassandra called me and because of Lucien. He was such an A class ass, it was almost unbelievable.

"Who was that?" Jason asked, walking towards me.

"Oh her, an old friend." I answered, keeping things short. He didn't have to know that I lived in Declyn Drive or that his possible rivalry gang leader liked me. I would rather keep complex things such as that to myself.

"From London?"

"What?"

"She's from London?" He repeated.

"Why would you think that?" I asked confused.

He eyed me rather suspiciously. "Because I thought that if you came from London, your friends would too. Duh?"

My eyes widened in realization. "Oh! No, didn't I tell you that most of my old friends are from Canada?"

Oh geez, Daisy!

He rose a brow. "No, you didn't. That's a bit weird, don't you think? While you live in London, your friends stay in Canada. . . How do you get to see them?"

I mentally slapped myself. Three times. I just had to say Canada didn't I? I was the worst liar on the planet. And my knowledge of geography and maps were limited. London and Canada werent even on the same continent. Ugh.

"Over the holidays, of course." I answered meekly.

"Whatever. I knew that you'd return to your old weird self soon. Anyway, my friend Finn just asked if I wanted to go to this beach party. It's not my kind of thing but since I'm clean of any. . .business I thought you would like to go."

I ignored the 'weird' comment and jumped in excitement. "Of course! Come on come on! Give me a piggy back ride!"

"No."

"Yes."

"No, Daisy."

"But why?" I frowned sadly.

"Ugh, you're so weird you know. Come on,"

I grinned happily and carefully jumped on his back when he bent. Considering the fact that a human just jumped onto his back he never seemed to flinch or waver the least bit. Did he eat stones for breakfast?

"Let's go!" I cheered slapping his shoulders.

"Daisy," He warned. "I will drop you down the stairs if you keep doing that." I immediately stopped and kept silent all the way down the hallway when I realized something.

"Wait! My swimsuit!" I exclaimed. I was met with a frustrated groan and it took everything in me to suppress a laugh.