DAISY

I shut my book closed and sighed in relief. My last class was finally over, which was environmental studies. It wasn't as boring as I imagined, especially since I had all of my new friends by my side, including Penny and Mavis. I seemed to open up to them perfectly fine, which was surprising to me considering my trust issues. Besides that, the day was nearly over and the group decided to give me a little tour of the place. Not the campus since we were all a little bit confused with it, but around the town. Where apparently everyone lived.

When last have I considered someone a friend?

I was nearly on my way out of class, when a slim hand gripped my elbow.

"Hold up, Pink."

Great. I knew that haunting voice from a mile and South. I didn't mean to be rude or judge her, but she was friends with Jason. And he. . . sort of scared me. I slowly turned around, facing the she-devil herself; Purple. Or should I say Alexis- number two of the duo two, partner in crime with Jason Black, and possibly his girlfriend.

"Uh, hello, Alexis is it?" I greeted politely.

"Yes, I wonder how you know that." She placed a mocking finger on her chin in make-believe thought. "Well, seeing as you are hanging out with Michael and his bunch of pussy friends, I believe I know why."

"Look, Alexis," I said calmly. "I know that Jason might have told you that my friends and I have talked about you, but I swear-"

"No, no, forget that. I'm here to know why the new girl in town in sitting with losers," she rose a brow. "And why you bailed on me on your first day here?"

"I just didn't think you liked me too much. I thought I was bothering you by asking you for directions." I said truthfully.

"Oh please, Pink. You could do better than that."

"Better than what?" I asked.

"I thought you were better than the way you looked,"

Ouch, I never saw that one coming.

"Like a judgemental bitch."

I narrowed my eyes and frowned. Did I really come off as a judgemental bitch? Everyone except my new friends had been giving me that 'look'. The same look as what Alexis was giving me right now, calling me a judgemental bitch. In the week that I have been here so far, I've came to realise that people here didn't appear nice to strange things they were unfamiliar with. What was so wrong with me? Was it how I dressed? I liked my style and I seriously wasnt going to change it to suit peoples liking.

"And is that seriously Jason's jacket that you're wearing?" She rose a brow. Before I could say anything, a voice called from behind.

"Alexis?"

We swivelled around at the same time to see a guy walking towards us. Despite the deepness of his voice, he spoke really reserved. He had tattoos all over his arms and peeking from his loosely hanging black shirt. My eyes met his and they were shining lightly with yellow flecks in the bright hazel. I was rapt by the beauty of his eyes, it seemed so similar to Jason's too. But then again, why would I be comparing his eyes to Jason's? Ugh.

On instinct, I smoothed out my skirt and touched my hair, just to make sure I wasn't sporting a bird nest due to the wind. In no way was I trying to impress anyone, I usually didn't, but for some reason I wanted to come off as at least tolerable to look at.

"Ace? Hey!" Purple gushed and stumbled towards Hazel Eyes. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him so tightly, I feared she would strangle him. Ace? What kind of name was that?

"I'm so glad you're here. Have you spoken to Jason already?" Purple asked, her expression morphed into a grin.

"No." Ace murmured.

"Well, you should. I'll help you get into campus. It won't be that hard, I'll try to arrange a room next to mine too. Since male and female can share the same building. I'm so excited!"

Was it just me or was I being ignored? Oh well, I trudged away from them, every once in a while, sneaking glances behind my back to make sure that Purple hadn't noticed. I was sure that in her mind our conversation wasn't over yet. I didn't intend to be rude, but I didn't want to cause trouble either. It was nice 'meeting' Ace.

When I got back to my dorm it was empty as per usual. I stacked all my notebooks and essentials neatly on my desk. After that was done, I decided on a change of outfit; due to the weather and my direful interaction with Jason this morning. I decided on a pair of white skinny jeans, a loose cream top and a pair of beige fluffy boots. The weather was unpredictable these days. Minus the fact that it was Autumn, the temperature ranged from twenty-three degrees to thirty-five degrees Celsius. It was a hot day yesterday, so instantly I thought it would be hot today too. Yet here I was, wallowing in my stupidity over the fact that I had actually worn a crop top.

Without Jason's jacket, I would have frozen my knuckles off today. People had looked at me oddly, wondering why I was wearing a male jacket that was three sizes too big for me. I couldn't care less, because the jacket was shielding me from the cold the entire day.

After getting dressed quickly, I grabbed a fuzzy beige scarf. I glanced at the clock on the wall hovering above the doorway. My classes ended just before four. Which was beneficial in my case because I preferred learning or the presence of other breathing human beings over sitting alone in a small dorm room, wondering if there would be any company any time soon. Since my roommate played the role of a ghost when it came to being around. . . the only thing I had was books and my ratty old journal.

Excitement bubbled in me for a brief while. I was getting a tour of the town. Nearly out of my dorm room door, I halted in my steps and stared at the black leather jacket lying on Jason's bed, where I had originally put it. I contemplated if I should just grab it and lose all crazy thoughts about my whereabouts. It was given to me to use for the day in the first place. It was also so comfortable, engulfing me into the warmness of it. It smelt of a faint smell of mens cologne, but also that woody huskiness. I couldn't describe its scent really, all I knew was that it smelled better than great. With my options aside I shrugged and grabbed it before I could think otherwise. I locked up securely and left the building.

Once I got over to Sweet Kisses, I spotted the group huddled up in a booth, along with many people I recognized from campus and class. They were all scattered around the booths and sofas, emitting loud chatter. I smiled at the homey feeling as the familiar coffee bean scent entered my nostrils. I inhaled it which resulted in a sigh of comfort.

"It took you long enough." Jaxon grinned and handed me a light brown cup with the signature Sweet Kisses logo on it. I felt warmness bubble inside of me. I was so tempted to take it, because of the waft of caramel, but I denied. I couldn't keep accepting and taking their things for free.

"Hey once again to you too, Jaxon." I returned the grin, pretending to not notice the coffee that was very much being offered to me.

"Here, take this." He offered, indicating to the cup.

"No, no, I'm good." I declined politely. "Thanks anyway."

"Take it, I insist."

"No, I swear I'm good." I so badly wanted some coffee.

"Take it or I'll just leave it here, for some hobo to have." He shrugged, feigning seriousness but I could sense the grin threatening to pop anytime soon. I sighed and took the coffee gratefully, a genuine smile forming onto my lips.

"Thank you, Jax."

"I like Jax, call me that often." He smirked playfully.

"Hey! You keep telling us not to call you that." Mavis said, her eyes narrowing. I smiled slightly.

"I never meant that to everyone, only you Mav." Jaxon chuckled, staring goofily at her. I liked how it was easy to be around them.

"Whatever." She grumbled back.

"Right. Will you guys chill please? I don't think I have told you yet, Daisy, but Jaxon and Mavis have been bantering like a hundred-year-old married couple with one another since they met. You have officially been warned that when they argue, you change direction because I think being stuck in a Javis slash Maxon banter is worse than being rolled up in a fight between Big Show and Batista." Penny offered.

I cackled to myself at her dramatics.

"Javis. . . Maxon?!" Mavis exclaimed in question. She huffed before calming herself down. "I swear Penny, one of these days, god will let a raging bull at you, answering my prayers in the process."

"You pray that an angry bull could chase me?"

"Duh?"

"Guys, guys, are we going to sit here and act like three-year olds or are we actually going to show DayDay around." Grayson questioned exasperatedly. I narrowed my eyes at him in warning.

"Yeah, after Penny and Jaxon take their psycho pills." Mavis sneered. She grabbed her vanilla smoothly and pushed out of the booth. She walked all the way towards the door backwards, throwing us glares. I chuckled once again.

"And that's Mavis for sure. The sweet little Australian girl with a raging bitch alter ego." Jaxon piped up.

"But you like her." I wondered.

He coughed roughly. I smirked and walked ahead of him. I fell into step with Penny and Grayson as they exited the shop. Jax rushed behind us shortly, just as I expected. He looked awkward, as if thinking about something to say.

"I do like her, as a friend." He finally said. "Just as I like you, Penny and Grayson too."

"Sure." I nodded.

"No, really. We're just really close, and sometimes too much in each other's faces."

"Sure." I nodded again, unbelievingly.

I inhaled some of the fresh Autumn air, causing me to shiver, but not because of being cold, but because I loved the fresh air. It excited me. I had always been a sucker for cold, humid air. Back home, my once real home with my parents, where I was close to the age of eleven, I always took every opportunity to be outside. I climbed the roof despite being eleven years old, and sat there for hours, wondering how it would feel like to fly. And not because I was a child, because still today I wonder how exciting and refreshing it would be to fly. To be completely free. I missed my old windowsill back at home in my cosy room. I used to sit there, just appreciating the smell of salty water and roses, despite hearing the angry shouts of my parents. I ignored their arguments, their hatred towards each other, I ignored the way my siblings avoided me and just sat there, a smile gracing my lips as I grazed at the glittery shining stars.

That was my twelve-year-old self. I still remembered vividly what it was like to actually smile, yet I also remembered how the white rose scent and my favourite windowsill was ripped from my life.

"Fine, fine. I'll tell you the truth soon. But not now."

I snapped out of my thoughts and blinked. What?

"The truth. About my feelings for Mavis." Jaxon whispered.

Oh. . .

OH.

"You mean that you like her." I chuckled.

"Whatever." He laughed along.

"So, we head to Jaguar Play Park first. Then we could show you to the museum, the library, the malls, the bakeries, the swimming pools. We could also visit our neighbourhood, where we live. It's about a twenty-minute drive. Maybe you could show us your house too." Penny announced.

If I had a house there, then sure.

"I warn you about some areas. The closed kept alleys and parks where you aren't allowed at. Only people with a death wish would enter those places," Penny shivered. "Minus that, and minus the prostitutes, drug lords and gangsters too, Essex The First is actually very big and a decent place to reside in."

I nodded, interested. It seemed better than Declyn Drive so far.

"Let's go."

The evening was very lively, the faded brown leaves danced around my feet as the wind blew. The sky was slowly turning a darker blue and the clouds were fading into the night. Over the soft, calming whispers of the wind, loud chatter was heard from the surrounding people. They didn't seem all that bad. From the looks of it, the small families, the groups of teenagers and little kids playing around, it seemed decent enough. The town wasn't one with tall, glassy buildings or anything. It didn't have a bunch of sleek Audi's or BMWs driving around at night. It was simply a town. If I hadn't known the rumours of the gangs, I would've loved it more than I'd come to.

My hands trailed over the glass as I watched the masquerade masks in awe. Who would of thought there would be an antique store here? It seemed almost unreal.

"It's beautiful right?"

I jumped at the sudden, unfamiliar voice besides me. To my left stood a really tall guy. Despite his size, he didn't seem intimidating the least bit.

"Sure is." I agreed.

"Is that your friends over there? The ones walking away?" He asked, amusement evident in his voice. My head snapped over in their direction and my eyes widened. "Yes. Right. Got to go." I rushed, sending him a smile.

"It was nice meeting you. I'm Finn by the way."

"Daisy." I said in return.

I fell into step with the group when I noticed we had entered The Jaguar Play Park. Big and black gates hovered above us. The premises were surrounded by old grey stone, reminding me of a graveyard. Considering the lack of a presentable exterior, the park still seemed to amaze me. The green grass went on and on, layers of field and green until I couldn't see it anymore. The trees were pegged with ranges from all autumn colours such as brown and pink. It looked beautiful, especially the open, dark blue blanket hovering so openly above, and shining with its most prized possession, the stars.

"Night fell quickly." I said.

"Yeah," Mavis nodded. "It always seems to be night in this town. I know by the looks of it, it seems like any other normal town, but it's not. Once the darkness takes over completely and everyone's doors are bolted at nine, the shadows lurking in the corners at this very moment will come out."

I shivered and frowned.

"I have been meaning to ask you this question all day, but I didn't want to seem rude," Grayson began. "Why on earth is your jacket so extremely large and oversized and look like it comes from the mens section?"

"Oh," I blushed recalling my conversation with my roommate this morning. "Jason gave it to me this morning."

"Oh." He mumbled. I had told them all about how I was to live three to four months with him till renovations were over. To say they freaked out would be an understatement, but they eventually calmed down when I told them I would be okay.

"Really? And here I was thinking you liked everything bigger." Jaxon smirked, and winked at me.

"Jaxon! Stop letting your mouth spew shit. You might scare her off." Penny scolded slapping his arm.

"It's okay," I interjected.

"I'm scaring her of?" He scoffed. "Mavis is the one talking some shit about shadows-"

"Okay. If you have a problem with me Jax, then just say it to my goddamn face! I have had enough with your childish and impish tendencies! Why don't you cut the damn crap, and acknowledge the fact that you're in college? Not in fucking elementary. But oh wait, you are supposed to be there since you are sooo fucking dumb."

I sighed and swiped my hand over my face. Penny never exaggerated when she said that their banter was endless. I stood to the side while Jaxon, Penny and Mavis argued, all the while Grayson tried to calm them. He always seemed to be the calm and collected one, which I was grateful for.

Suddenly, something shiny caught my attention in the moonlight. It shined every once in a while, before vanishing for a few seconds again. I narrowed my eyes curiously at the possible human movement. By now, the only sounds that could be heard was the guys loud chatter. We already made it into the empty park absentmindedly, so the rest of the world slowly drifted away. That same shine shone once again. It seemed to be coming from behind a big tree with shadows looming around it, enough to send any sane person in the other direction. But who said I was sane? Definitely not me.

"Guys, I'm going to take a walk. . ." I trailed off and found my feet wondering in the direction of the tree.

The shadows lurking in the corners at this very moment will come out.

I ignored Mavis's words and slowly walked towards the sliver of shine in the shadows.

It was official; I had gone mental. This was it. I entered the darkness residing under the tree, closed my eyes and held a hand to my rapidly beating heart. I was suddenly pulled further into the darkness as a hand covered my mouth. I thrashed and tried to scream, since my friends were just a few steps away from here, but their grip was too tight. I instantly regretted my curiosity and insane decision. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I was way too stubborn to let it go.

"Shh, don't cry." A hushed voice whispered in my ear. I stiffened as a wave of familiarity hit me. I just need your help.

"Hazel eyes?" I asked cautiously once he slowly removed his hand.

"Who?"

"Hazel eyes? Uhm, no. I mean. . . Uh, Ace." I nodded, sure of myself.

"Well it's a good thing you know my name then. I'm not total stranger? Right?" He chuckled softly but it came out pained, and before you knew it, he was coughing. I rubbed his back awkwardly. When have I ever began to imagine that my tour of Essex The First would end up with me behind a tree with one of Alexis acquaintances, in an awkward position? Hazel eyes coughed one last, husky time. But this time a dark substance spewed out of his mouth too.

Holy. . . is that blood?

I took my time to finally assesses him. I nearly gasped. His once perfect black sweater of this morning was literally shredded with blood damaging its colour. He looked like a living dust ball. His hair was matted onto his forehead, by who knew what. Blood or sweat. There were bruises and cuts lining his face.

"Holy baby Jesus! Are you okay? What in the name of Shrek and Fiona happened to you?" I rushed, panicking.

"Wait. . . Holy shit! You have a knife jabbed into you and you're all peaches and cream? We have to get you to the hospital." I exclaimed. This was not good. This was so not good. I hated blood so much and usually gagged at the sight of it. The idea of me having to help him was already suffocating me.

I knew now that it was the knife has been the beautifully shining object. Once you are let into the dark, it was so darn deceiving.

"No. No hospitals. Help me get to campus." He breathed heavily.

"Why campus?"

"Because, I need to see Jason."

"Jason? Why?"

"Because he's my brother and the only one who could help me right now."

"Oh my god, oh my god," I chanted. "The knife. . . what about the knife?"

Without hesitation, he slowly pulled it out. I thought I could pass out just then.

"What if it gets worst now that you've removed-"

"It wasn't that deep, just please. . ." He nearly fell over when I threw and arm around his waist to support him. I nearly fell too at his weight.

"Come on." I said, determined to get him help.