DAISY

I stood awkwardly and gazed at the dull, grey tiles silently. The encounter between Jason, Ace and I was most certainly not what I was looking forward to. Jason's posture was tense, and a strong glare was etched up onto his face, clearly showing that he was displeased with Ace and I being alone in an empty corridor. Or that was what I hoped. I couldn't explain why he was so protective over me even if I tried. Last I checked, we weren't even friends.

I quickly glanced at Ace to see him breathing heavily, his fists tightly clenched. What had Michael said that was so touching? Curiosity might have killed the cat, as he stated, but I wasn't just any cat.

"What are you doing here, Ace?" Jason asked lowly, repeating himself.

"Trying to act like any normal college student with a life. Why, do you have a problem?" Ace asked angrily.

"Get the fuck out of here. You know what youre supposed to be doing."

I bit my lip looking between the two. Jason acted as if I didn't exist, even though his glare would randomly face me at times, as if I did something wrong. Ugh.

"Don't tell me what to do." Ace gritted out, though clenched teeth.

"Excuse me?" Jason asked, his fists slowly balling up.

"Okay guys, have a moment to cool down. I don't want to be the reason you argue, please. For me, Ace?" I asked, sending him a smile.

Aces glare dispersed slowly, it being replaced with a small smile.

"What do you mean 'for you'? Are you fucking special or something? Let's go, Ace. She's a waste of space. And she expects too much from a person too."

I felt a pang in my chest. I didn't know how to explain it exactly, but all I knew was that it was awfully painful. My chest tightened and I felt my breath becoming heavier by the second as I stared at Jason with pure shock.

She's a waste of space.

Before you knew it, the familiar wetness at my eyes appeared before me. Without knowing how to stop it I quickly wiped them away, forcing them out of my eyes but it wouldn't stop. Damn it! How many times was a going to cry over this stranger that I technically knew for only three weeks?

"Man, look what you did! You are a fucking idiot." Ace scolded, anger in his tone.

"No, it's okay, Ace. I'm fine." I sniffled, rubbing my eyes furiously. "I was just leaving, I don't want to waste your time. Or space." I muttered before turning around hastily.

I barely walked three steps when a warm hand grabbed my arm securely. "Wait, Daisy." I froze when I noticed it wasn't Ace, but Jason.

I spun around, facing him. "What?" I asked quietly.

"I need to talk to you." He stated, his eyes telling me that it wasn't an option but a demand.

"Why? There's nothing you could possibly say."

"Leave her alone, man. You such a shit head and you expect her to listen to you as if you're king. Give us a damn break you're not Jesus, you know?" Ace snapped, glaring at him.

"Stay out of this."

"Just stop being such a dick all the time."

"Yeah, now go. You know what the shit you have to do."

"Fuck, for once in my life I thought I could be a normal college student." Ace grumbled, slowly walking away. "Bye Daisy, I'm sorry for being a dick."

"It's fine." I muttered, sending him a small wave.

Once we were alone, Jason pulled me along the hallway, and backed me into the wall.

"What do you want?" I demanded. I felt a little bit of hope swell up in my chest. For the sake of us all, I wanted us to be on good terms again. Perhaps he has come to his senses and manned up enough to apologize and right his wrongs. Maybe take back what he said too.

"I want you to stay away from Ace and I."

However, that hope died down almost as soon as it came.

"Why?" I asked sadly, trying to mask it with a nonchalant expression.

"Why? Because you're too different from us. I don't interact with people like you, Daisy. And I never have. I'm not about to change that because of you, so stay out of my way."

"How the hell do I do that when we share a dorm room?" I asked, irritated suddenly.

"You can stay with one of your friends. I'm sure they'll have extra space for you." He replied dryly.

"You Asshole," I whisper-yelled. "Don't dare try and kick me out of my own dorm. I thought you were going to apologize for calling me a-"

"I'm doing this for you, Daisy." He cut me off. "It's for your own best. Because trust me, you do not want to associate with the likes of me. I thought that we could be friends, but I was wrong. We are far too different."

"What does that mean?"

"I mean," he suddenly leaned in closer, causing me to take an instinctive step away from him. "I'm dangerous. And when you see danger, you run. Something so hard to understand about that, Angel?"

"No." I muttered, biting my lip hard. Would it be permissible if I slapped him again?

"Is it clear to you now?"

"Crystal." I said sarcastically.

"Good. I knew you were an obedient little girl." He smiled.

"And I always knew you were a psychotic asshole."

His eyes darkened. "What?"

"Nothing that you would understand." I muttered, shoving him away.

I was halted in my steps, once again, as Jason gripped my arm.

"I'm serious, Angel."

"I know."

"Don't be mad at me then." He suggested. Oh, please. As if after all the crap you have said and the way you treated me, I shouldn't be mad.

"You're not worthy of my madness."

"Daisy-"

"No, leave me alone."

I ripped my hand out of his grip and stormed off.

"So, you're getting the notes later this evening, right?" Mavis questioned.

"Yeah." I answered shortly. More like I'm staying with you too.

"It's basically just 3 pages and a few handouts. Nothing serious." She added.

"Okay." I muttered.

"Alright, since the labs are being exterminated due to some ratty kid letting loose toxic flees and mosquitos, we'll have to complete the practical next week." Professor Stein mentioned.

Sighs of relief could be heard throughout the room, which I barely registered due to my panicked state.

"Wait, I forgot!" I exclaimed towards Mavis and Penny.

"Forgot what?"

"About the salts and crystals practical thingy, shit how stupid could I be." I sighed. We had a week to go over it, so that we didn't mess things up or damage equipment, and of course to earn the best grade we could. But for the past few days I haven't been going over my notes nor have I opened my chemistry text book at all. Crap. How messed up have my head been?

I slapped my forehead and groaned. "Well at least we got an extra few days." Penny said, patting my back soothingly.

"Yeah, we'll help you if you need. I've went through the steps already." Mavis offered.

"That's not enough." I snapped.

"What's your problem?" Mavis glared.

"Nothing. I don't have any problem." I glared back.

"You know, we were trying to help you, Daisy. You don't have to be moody." Penny muttered, removing here hand and facing the front, away from me. So did Mavis. I mentally groaned. I didn't mean to snap at my friends. They were just trying to be helpful.

I decided to apologize after this class. When I would have time to explain why I was being a bitch properly to them. I turned towards Professor Stein and glared at him while he explained some things. I was very out of my usual mood after my encounter with Jason. It just proved how negatively he affected me.

Ten minutes further into the lesson, I felt my eyes trail towards Jason. He was talking to some girl, a really pretty blonde who was chewing obnoxiously on her gum, twirling a stand of her hair and sitting in my original seat.

Why did I suddenly regret switching my seat?

Maybe because the blonde was taking all of his attention?

They were talking loudly to one another, laughing and basically disrupting the class. I glared intensely at the blonde's big head. She had some nerve to be this disruptive. And so does that big jerk!

I huffed and paid attention to the projector, jotting down some notes. I bet Jason didn't stay away from other girls, claiming that it was for the best. What a damn jerk? Was I that boring, ugly and unappealing? Maybe it was because I was a goody two shoes virgin, who cried easily and slapped people.

Well, he could go kiss himself for all I cared.

"You okay?"

Maybe he could kiss that girl instead, that would have made more sense.

"Daisy?"

And then they could get happily married too!

"Daisy!"

"What..?" I blinked snapping out of my thoughts.

"I asked if you were okay." Grayson repeated, chuckling.

"Uh yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Oh, you know. For snapping at Penny and Mavis and for basically staring holes through Amelia's head."

"I never mean't that. I'll apologize later. Who is Amelia?" I wondered thoughtfully.

"The blonde talking to Jason." He smirked knowingly.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I shrugged in oblivion.

"But you do. You like him?" Grayson countered, leaning forward with a raised eyebrow.

I frowned.

"Uh, I don't know where you came up with that conclusion, but I do not like Jason. At all." I huffed unbelievingly. If Grayson could sense my slight problem with Amelia talking to Jason, how much other people could too?

"Liar." He chuckled.

"Why would you care?" I asked, giving into the fact that I didn't exactly dislike Jason, even though I claimed to hate him that much. Maybe I did hate him. He was not exactly a lovable person.

"We're friends, right?"

"Yeah, of course."

"So, as a friend don't you think it's my concern with who you date?"

"Well, you have a point."

He nodded, smiling. "I do. And I'm not entertaining the idea of your liking Jason, but I'm not against it either. I accept people's feelings, even though it might not be the best thing."

"It's good to know that someone isn't completely against Jason." I chuckled. "I mean, he's not that bad..." I trailed off, contemplating my words. Despite him be such a big jerk to me I still managed to not completely dislike him. Why? I had no clue.

"Don't look now, but he's actually looking at you as we speak." He whispered.

"Who?" I asked confused.

"Jason is, you dummy."

"Don't lie." I whispered seriously.

"Oh, come on, why would I lie about something like that?"

"True." I muttered.

"Is he still looking though? Because I already feel uncomfortable."

"Yep, he sure is."

"Well, make him stop." I urged.

"How should I make him stop?" He asked bewildered.

"I don't know, do something."

I was feeling extremely hot and uncomfortable. I turned to look in Jason's direction, just to see if Grayson had in fact lied, but he was looking my way indeed. He had a nonchalant expression, staring with calculating eyes while Amelia clung to his arm like a puppet. She was whining, I could tell. He deserved all the whining he could get.

"Daisy, it's okay. He'll look away eventually." Grayson soothed, but I wasn't having any of it.

"No, wrap your arm around me."

"What?" He asked with a puzzled look.

"Quickly! Wrap your arm around me."

"Why?"

"Because if Jason wants something to look at, I'll give him exactly that."

"Don't provoke him, Daisy."

"What do you mean?"

"I know you guys share a dorm and blah blah blah but making him jealous isn't the way." Grayson reasoned, focusing on his notepad.

"I'll buy you cream scones and your favorite cookie dough milkshake for three days." I offered.

"Fine. But you're basically using me." He grumbled.

"I know and I'm so sorry. I'll make you a 'forgive me card' when I have time." I promised, feeling bad.

"No need. Now come on, you little munchkin."

I grinned and gave Jason exactly the sort of show he needed.

The jealousy burning in his eyes, and the visible way his fists clenched hadn't gone unnoticed by me.

It was around 3 o'clock in the afternoon when I saw the familiar sweets and coffee shop. Unlike most other days today was slightly less breezy and cool. It was in fact a little bit warmer outside. I predicted it to be 23 degrees Celsius and I showed much needed gratitude towards the new weather. I liked the cold, but sometimes it was a bit depressing and dark. Two things I didn't like very much.

I entered the small café after my long trek towards it, the cool air of the aircons hitting me refreshingly. I breathed in the aroma of coffee beans. Mm. I found myself walking towards our usual corner booth and greeted my friends with a smile.

"Hey."

"Hi, DayDay come sit down. You took like forever." Penny's enthusiastic behavior towards me was really appreciated considering how I was being moody with her and Mavis in class earlier today. I apologized and they forgave me instantly.

I was still uncertain of where I was to sleep tonight since I was kicked out of my own dorm room, so I needed them to be with me and not against me.

Why would you simply listen to that moron and let him kick you out so easily? My subconscious nagged. My answer was simply that I knew Jason was right when he said that he was bad for me. His entire lifestyle was a magnet for danger, and I would rather not be caught up into the mess of it. I couldn't explain what I was thinking when I decided to make him jealous in our chemistry class earlier the day. Or even if he was jealous in the first place I'd never know. He was so confusing sometimes. As Alexis had said in the showers, he was as easy to read as reading a book. Well, to her obviously because she was his sister, but not so easy to me. I so badly wanted to know what went on in that head of his, and what emotions he felt towards me.

Guess I would never find out now.

A thought suddenly occurred to me; I still had to apologize to Grayson for basically 'using' him in Chemistry this morning. I really hoped he didn't see me as a bad person now. I'd hate that.

I sat down tiredly next to Jaxon, letting out a heavy sigh. School was causing me mental and physical exhaustion. I was supposed to take four courses per semester due to my degree program. My majors were chemistry and environmental studies while my two electives were statistics and math.

But of course, me being me decided to tag an extra course along; English.

It wasn't that the work was too hard or anything, but it was already piling up until I was left with so many assignments and upcoming tests for each course. I have always gotten 80 and 90 percent in high school but I feared I would start dropping, as I expected myself to.

"What's stressing my little pumpkin out?"

"Nothing, Jax. It's just school." I smiled lightly.

"Honestly man, I feel like dropping out and becoming a male stripper or something." Jaxon whined, sipping morbidly on his drink. I chuckled. He was always funny but knew when to be serious and caring which I loved.

"Don't we all?" Grayson wondered out loud.

"Yeah, speak for yourself. I've nearly mastered business marketing and planning." Michael piped up.

"That's really good for you, Michael. You surely know how to make us feel better." Mavis piped up, glaring at him.

"Oh, come on, you can't tell me I should keep my happiness to myself?"

"Well you should." She grumbled.

I excused myself and stood up to get me something to drink. I walked to the counter where the barista stood and pulled my purse from my bag.

"Hello, how may I help you?" She asked, smiling friendly.

"Could I get a berry iced tea please?" I smiled tiredly.

"Sure, anything else?"

"No, thank you."

"Okay that'll be 2 dollars."

I handed her the money.

"Keep the change."

"But..."

"No, it's fine." I smiled. "I'm Daisy McKenway by the way."

"Clary Lockhart." We shook hands. She excused herself quickly and came back with a berry iced tea. My favorite.

"I was the barista the first day you came here." She said, handing me the beverage.

I looked at her surprised. "How do you remember me?"

"With the scene that Jason Black made, I surely couldnt forget."

"Woah, you know Jason?"

"Of course, who doesn't?" She chuckled. "He's very infamous in this town. I don't know but I'm sure everyone knows him."

"Well, he's a big jerk who thinks he owns everything." I muttered.

"Bad history?" She asked.

"Nope. More like bad recent events."

Clary laughed, her voice sounding like jingle bells. I suddenly laughed too. I couldn't help but think she was really pretty. With long blonde hair and brown eyes. She was pretty even though she was wearing a sweet kisses apron.

"Well, I hope you're okay. I wouldn't suggest associating with him but I'm sure you are careful."

"Trust me, I really am when it comes to him. Anyway, why haven't I seen you around that much? I'm usually served by a guy named Frank."

"Oh, Frank is my substitute and he helps when it gets busy. Especially on public holidays like Easter or Christmas."

"Cool. If I'm not being too nosy, were you sick?"

"Oh no, my little boy was sick."

"Wait..."

"Yes, I have a child." She looked down shamefully, as if ashamed that she had a child at such a young age before marriage. She looked about a year older than me, probably eighteen or nineteen. I felt bad for her; people made mistakes, and mistakes were crucial in helping us learn and grow.

"That's not a bad thing, Clary."

"But I had him when I was sixteen." She whispered.

"Oh, please. People make mistakes when they are young. Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm sure you realized that he wasn't that much of a mistake anymore, right?"

Her eyes glittered with happiness. "You are right. I love Matty with everything in me."

"And there you are. Don't be ashamed of a beautiful thing you love." I assured, smiling.

"Gosh you're so nice." She smiled brightly.

"Thank you." I blushed. "You are too."

"No but you're like the first person that haven't judged me."

"Always a pleasure." I winked. "People are stupid creatures."

"They are indeed." We laughed one last time.

"I'll see you around, Clary."

"You too, Daisy."

I walked away and waved, feeling glad that I might have made a new friend. When I sat down the group seemed to be talking amongst each other.

"You know what I think might cheer us all up?" Michael asked. I shrugged, not really caring what he had to say. Even though I was feeling really glad and happy that he was coping with his major and that his life worked out fine, I still hadn't acknowledged him as much as 'friends' were supposed to acknowledge each other. He was not my friend. He left me when I was little, not the other way around. He might've been my brother through blood, but he wasn't my family.

"What do you suggest?" Grayson asked, leaning against the table in interest.

"A party."

I coughed loudly and sarcastically causing Michael to send me a confused.

"A party seems awfully unfamiliar at a time like this." Penny said.

"Not now obviously, but Friday or Saturday. You know they keep parties every week on those days, right?"

"Studies are clearly more important." I interjected.

"Daisy is right." Grayson nodded. "We should focus on our studies. There's always time for parties in the holidays."

"It would be refreshing I have to say." Penny said. Wait, since when would Penny agree to a party?

"Yeah, just this once. Who's in?" Michael asked, an excited grin on his face.

"Definitely me." Jaxon cheered. "I'll always be ready for a good party."

"I'm in."

"Me too."

"And you Mavis?" Jaxon asked.

"Sure." She shrugged.

"Whatever." I muttered. They could go to a party if they wanted to. I was going to stay home and focus on my chemistry practical. I mentally groaned at the idea of it.

"Awesome stuff!"

"Hey, Penny, can I talk to you?" I asked when we finally exited the café.

"Sure," she smiled. "What about?"

"It's... It's about Jason." I muttered softly.

Her eyes sparkled with concern. "What did he do?" She demanded.

"Nothing much, besides kick me out of our dorm." I told her sadly. It was a matter of time before I had to tell her, she was my first friend and I needed her concern and worry. I didn't usually get to feel that emotions from people towards me. It felt really nice for a change.

"That big jerk! Why would he do that?"

"It's hard to explain, but I promise I will tell you. For now, I really need a place to stay..." I trailed off hopefully.

"If you're trying to ask if you could stay with me, the answer is a definite yes, Daisy. You're my friend and I love you." She ended sheepishly.

I let out a breathy laugh, placing a hand over my chest on instinct. I couldn't remember a time when someone told me they loved me. I felt tears prickling my eyes. What would I possibly do without my friends? I was all alone without them. God really blessed me with Penny.

"Aww, please don't cry or I'll cry too." Penny suddenly hugged me tightly. I returned the gesture really appreciating it.

"I love you also, Penny." I whispered, with unshed tears in my eyes.

"Don't worry okay, we'll get through this and you won't have to worry about that nutcase again." She assured.

"Okay," I sniffled. "Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed that."

"Trust me, we all need comfort sometimes. We're broken inside and we don't even realize how much."

I nodded. She was right. But what had broken her in the first place? I had no idea but if she ever needed me I would be there for her.

"Let's head back?"

"Of course." I smiled.

I unlocked my dorm room with a content smile on my face. I haven't realized this before, but I didn't need Jason to be nice to me. I didn't need to tolerate him. I had my friends and that's all I needed.

I pushed the door open, half expecting Jason to be absent like he always was, but to my surprise, he and Alexis were messily sitting on the floor, facing the plasma TV screen while their fingers furiously swiped across their controllers. They were playing Xbox and I recognized the game to be Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit. My family and I always played this in the past, whenever mom and dad weren't fighting. I missed it, but it brought back bad memories, so I chose not to think about. Michael and I kicked butt in this, while mom, dad and Sara sucked. I smiled remembering the whines of Sara whenever she lost. I hoped she was somewhere out there, not alone.

I tried my best in being discrete while I tip toed over to my closet. My happiness soon died over when a voice interrupted me.

"Oh hey, Pink. Do you want to join us? We're just opened the Bugatti Veyron; the second sexiest car after the Koenigsegg."

"That's okay. I was just on my way out." I declined politely.

"Come on, please. Jason won't shut the fuck up about you. He's losing his game and it's not cool. I mean, when Jason loses Need for Speed you know something it wrong." She smirked.

My eyes widened at how blunt she was. My cheeks were probably red by then. Jason was glaring at her, his posture stiff.

"Shut your fucking trap, Lexi." He scowled.

"See? He never swears at me. What special tricks have you been doing on my brother?"

"I have to go, Alexis." I said softly, not wanting to disturb Jason. He hated me as it was. Alexis was obviously teasing me when she said he couldn't stop talking about me. She was clearly all over the idea that he liked me.

"Who's Alexis?" She wondered jokingly. "I remembered being called Lexi or Alex. But not Alexis." She cringed.

"Alright, Lexi. I really just came to pack my bags." I shifted awkwardly on the spot, nervous under the duo two's gazes.

"Pack your bags? Are you leaving? We haven't even become friends yet." She said, a frown on her face.

"Oh no... my friends and I are having a sleepover. For the time being."

I decided to leave out the part where her brother basically kicked me out of my own dorm room.

"Cool. Could I join?" I was surprised by her forwardness.

"No." Jason answered instead. "You can't join. They are not about to smoke pot or drink alcohol. I bet all they're doing are their nails and hair. Don't waste your time with boredom."

Lexi kept quiet, avoiding my gaze. She must have probably just realized that he was 'right'. I could've possibly made a new friend, but of course, Jason spoiled everything. I really hated him right now. I swear I could slap him again.

"I'm just going to leave. Bye Lexi." I rushed out of there, willing myself to force down my tears. I would get my clothes some other time. But for now, I'd better been a ten-mile radius of Jason before I blew a switch.

***

*wink wink*