DAISY

I awoke the next morning with a start. My breathing was heavy and shallow while sweat trickled down my forehead rapidly. I had one of my famous nightmares yet again. They weren't exactly what I would like to call a nightmare, it was more of a memory. It came crashing down full force, replaying itself exactly like it happened years ago.

I was sweating like mad, and I hated thinking about those memories, so I sat up, the duvet falling to my waist. My breathing controlled a bit, once I replaced every bad thought with something good.

I think I still have some gummy bears left, I thought quickly. Even though it made me smile, it couldn't relief me of my bad memories. I pulled my knees up to my chest and rested my head on it. I breathed in trying to relax, and slowly, mindlessly drifted off. My memories were vivid, sometimes like dreams, but most of the times I was sleeping. My mind was a bit too stubborn to try to replay any bad memories while I was awake.

I was always asleep, but this time, being more into my thoughts and open minded, everything was always more painful. Ten folds over.

I was leaning against my favorite windowsill, it smelled of old wooden oak, and rain due to the fresh breeze from the opened window. I was sitting with my legs folded under my bum, my arms crossed onto the windowsill and my chin resting between them. I smiled. I have always loved this. Just gazing outside the window, the fresh smell entering my nostrils as the loud sound of rushing cars and chattering people filled my ears.

Mom was downstairs, and as usual, arguing with Dad. I was already so used to it, so I drowned out any sounds of negativity and filled my mind with happy thoughts such as playing hide and seek with Michael and Sara. Or baking with Mrs. Williams next door. Or when mommy read me fairytales every night. Or when daddy would tuck me inside bed.

Mom and dad loved me, Mike and Sara very much and somehow they managed to display that love when they were alone, but both mom and dad put together was like a bomb full of hate and anger. Well, at least most of the time. I didn't know why they hated each other so much for most of their time, but also loved each other sometimes. It was frustrating.

I heard the sound of a glass smash. It was intense, but never this intense. I was startled, so I quickly stood up and rushed out of my room. I noticed Mike and Sara also rushing down the stairs, so I followed after them.

The living room was completely wrecked. We lived in a big and pretty house, so the living room was just generally big. When I got there the photo frames on the wall were laying broken on the floor, the couch pillows were all over the place, the peonies I remembered Dad giving Mom were lying crumbled on the floor and there were broken glass too. I noticed mom's set of Chinese Ming cups lying on the floor, broken. Perhaps I was so lost with the soothing sound of the outside world and all the fairytales in my head, the only thing I heard was the breaking glass and nothing else.

"You bitch!"

Both my siblings and I flinched when Dad yelled at Mom. Only then weve noticed his bloodied face. Mom had smashed a vase over his head.

I closed my eyes tightly and hugged my knees for some sort of comfort. Why was life so hard sometimes? Or forgot that, most of the time. It started with my mom and dad's cruelty, my siblings being separated from me and currently my stupid roommate who decided to kiss me and leave me in a mess of confused feelings.

I felt like the only thing I had going good for me was my friends and my studies.

I felt something shift besides me and I immediately moved away. The memories of last night came flooding back and I groaned, pushing the blankets off and stepping out of bed. Surprisingly I slept comfortably, and Jason hadn't rolled over me like I thought he would. He was drunk last night and surprisingly was a childish drunk.

I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss for the rest of the weekend. In that time, he began avoiding me just like he did the first week that I got here. My rejection to his kiss must have wounded his ego, that's why he acted like such a jerk. I could sense that not many girls ever rejected him.

My cheeks warmed remembering how he tightly hugged my waist, but I didn't bother to turn and look at him. Instead, I slipped my plain pink slippers on and headed towards the closet. I really needed to wash, and classes was starting soon. I smelled like old clothes and sweat, having been lazy for the past few days to take a shower. Lets just say that there was no lock on the bathroom in Jason and my dorm room, and he accidently walked in on me showering on Sunday afternoon. The shower curtain was luckily covering me, but I reacted by screaming loudly and dramatically causing him to zoom back out and close the door loudly. It was the most embarrassing and awkward experience, so I decided to use the public showers instead.

For the past three days, life has been simple and nothing out of the ordinary. My friends still being the loveliest group ever, my professors being awesome and intellectual, me making more friends in some classes, and Jason being Jason by avoiding me. He was a whole other topic. During the day I would randomly think about him and our kiss, and how he was avoiding me. It saddened me because that that day at the beach was his fault, and how I felt at fault for some reason. But it was better this way, now things wouldn't be awkward, and I wouldn't have to face him.

I pulled out my toiletry bag which consisted of the essentials such as my soap, shampoo and conditioner, washing cloth, sponges and the rest. I also grabbed a white towel and my thick, fluffy gown. I didn't need anyone looking at me as I walked back from the showers.

I took one glance at Jason; he was sprawled messily on my bed and almost overlapped both sides. He was just that big. I didn't know how I have managed to sleep comfortably with him next to me, in such limited space. The good thing was though, he didn't touch me too much when we both fell asleep. I was surprised; I half expected to wake up squished with a 200-pound Jason on me.

A small smile appeared on my face when I noticed how innocent he looked. Just sleeping soundly, as if nothing in this world had affected him the least bit. Then I thought about last night, when his drunken-self had magically appeared on my bed, while I was sleeping. I tried to be mad at him, but I couldn't. Knowing that he would barely remember a thing in the morning, I took my chances and made last night the last civil, tranquil conversation we would probably have in a long time. He was also so carefree and playful when he was drunk. I half expected him to be an angry drunk, but he wasn't.

He was the opposite. And I missed that already.

The showers were mostly quiet when I got there. A few girls were all in the area, some sitting on benches, some dressing, some applying body cream while others showering. I knew this by this soft patter of the water against the tiles. It made my urge for a shower intensify.

I smiled at some girls, not wanting to seem rude as I walked pass them in search for the most secluded shower. Each shower was surrounded by a flimsy, white curtain. When I finally found the perfect one, the very last shower at the end of the entire row of showers, I quickly entered. I dropped my bag and closed the curtain securely.

After undressing I turned the water on low and started washing myself. Halfway through my shower, I was humming an old song when suddenly the curtain was pulled open. I shrieked and dropped the soap, immediately closing my assets.

"Well, well, well. . . if it isn't the famous Daisy McKenway having the loveliest shower. What's up, Pink?"

My eyes widened. It was Alexis; also known as Purple. What on earth was she doing here?

"What's up? I'm literally taking a shower!" I exclaimed, bewildered. You don't just suddenly decide you are going to open someone's shower curtain, while they're butt naked!

"I mean, what's up as in how it has been lately?" She smiled sweetly. I only noticed now that she only wore her undergarments.

"As you can see, I'm taking a damn shower," I whisper-yelled. "Can you please close the curtain so that I could continue my shower?"

"Oh honey, you're so innocent." She chuckled. "By the way, Pink, if you haven't noticed, we have the same body parts. You don't have to cover what I've already seen."

She closed the curtain behind her after sending me a smile. I sighed in relief.

I bent down and picked up my soap, suddenly not feeling this shower. I quickly resumed washing myself, then I heard her voice again. I jumped and dropped the soap again. Damn, couldn't she mind her own business?

"You know, Pink, I think my brother likes you." She said. Her voice could be heard from the shower besides mine, and after that the soft patter of the water could be heard too. A thin curtain was dividing us, and I found that really uncomfortable.

"Oh, no he doesn't." I muttered, remembering that stupid day at the beach. I knew which brother she was talking about, it was obvious.

"I think he does. Jason might be unpredictable, but come on, I grew up with the guy, I can read him like a fucking newspaper!" She laughed.

"You must be really clueless then, Jason does not like me." I deadpanned, clearly pointing out that I didn't want to continue this conversation. It was bad enough we were literally having a conversation while showering, so I had to make sure she knew that I wanted nothing to do with her brother. Most especially because his mood kept changing so suddenly and giving me whiplash.

"It's funny. Everyone's sees it besides you. And for me, it's really weird considering he was always more of a hump and dump type of guy."

"Whatever." I muttered.

I turned the shower off after rinsing my hair. I needed to get out of here. I mean, Alexis was not bad, but I was freaking naked.

"By the way, I like you too. If you're going to be Jason's roommate, I think we'll be good friends." She said.

"Maybe, it depends on what kind of friend you are." I replied.

"You're being awfully different. The first type we met, you were shy and fearful. I mean, I won't shoot you. Guns are meant for bad people." She chuckled. I cringed and looked away.

"Well cheers for me then."

"There you go again!"

I smiled and dried myself off quickly and slipped my slippers on. I pulled on my fluffy gown and tied it securely. After wrapping my towel over my hair, I packed my bag and opened the shower curtain.

The shower room was almost empty. Some showers could he heard running and a few girls were dressing. I'd prefer dressing in the dorm.

"Are you leaving, Pink?"

"Yeah, I have English in about a half an hour." I answered.

"Well, good luck."

"Thanks." Wasn't that just thoughtful? Perhaps she wasnt so bad.

When I returned to the dorm, Jason was still sprawled out on my bed, the only difference being that he was awake now and staring at the ceiling. I gulped anxiously. I thought he would be gone by now, like he always was.

Quietly, I dragged myself towards the closet, willing myself not to look at him. I was tempted, because despite just waking up, Jason managed to look like a damn angel. And I wasn't afraid to admit that.

Quickly, or maybe too quickly, I opened the closet and went inside. I shut the door loudly out of nervousness. The closet had just enough space to fit two people comfortably while they dressed. I searched for something to wear on my side of clothing and decided on simple dark blue jeans and a long sleeved, pink sweater. It was a bit chilly outside, so I took my hoodie just in case. I pulled on some converse and let my hair naturally dry.

I looked down at myself one more time before exiting the closet. Jason was in the same position as before. I walked over to my desk, ready to pack my books needed for today when a voice stopped me.

"Hey."

It was a simple greeting, but I felt my heart sky-rocketing since it was the first time he greeted me in three days. We haven't spoken since that kiss, excluding last night when he was drunk.

I didn't know what to say so I remained silent instead, coming off as rude even though I didnt intend to.

"Why are you ignoring me? It's pathetic."

Suddenly, I felt a wave of anger washed over me. He had some nerve. He was in the wrong when he forced me to kiss him and then called me names when I refused to.

"No, you're pathetic." I said, grabbing my book bag roughly before pushing random books in it. For some reason I didn't care if I picked the wrong book, I just needed to get out of here before he really blew my switch.

"What?"

"I said, You. Are. Pathetic." I said each word slowly, trying to get it through his thick skull. I turned around and glared at him, but this wasnt a playful glare, this was me wanting him to see just how upset he had made me.

Jason shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Whatever your definition of that means."

"You know what, you're rude, despicable, unmannered, mean and disrespectful. You are so infuriating that it makes me want to slap you. And I swear, Jason, if I hit you so painfully one day, you had it coming, because I'm warning you. . ."

I finished my rant, letting my words trail off when he suddenly stood up. I guess I didn't expect actual confrontation from him. He slowly, threateningly walked towards me, causing me to heavily gulp the lump that formed in my throat.

Maybe if he hadn't spoken so much mean things I would have considered him as a friend. And especially after the horrible stunt he pulled at the beach, I didn't think I could forgive him.

"That is not what pathetic means. . ." He muttered lowly.

"But that is what you yourself mean."

"You really are a bitch, aren't you?"

"Go to hell." I said angrily.

"Only if you come with me."

I scoffed. "Get a life, Jason. That doesn't involve me." I snapped and spun around, zipping my bag and grabbing by thick chemistry text book. Not only did this book come in handy when I needed to study but it could easily be a weapon of frustration. I could easily fling it at someone's too large head. For example, Jasons.

I spun on my heel, ready to get the hell out of the room when I bumped into a strong chest. A gasp escaped my lips when I looked up at Jason; who had an angry glare on his face and I swear if this were a cartoon, steam would've been coming from his ears. I gulped and slowly brought my book up to my chest, then hugged it tightly.

"Move." I whispered.

"And what if I don't want to?"

"I-I'll tell headmaster that you're harassing me." I said fiercely.

"Wow, such a fucking daddy's little girl. I was right about you, you're like this spoiled brat that gets everything she wants, has no problems in life and take every little thing so fucking seriously. I'm harassing you?" He chuckled dryly. "I haven't even touched you yet, what the fuck is wrong with you? Did your bitch of a mother drop you when you were a child or something?"

And that, was the exact words that were able to crush me completely. My heart felt like it fell out of my chest, or as if it was ready to burst at any moment. I would not cry. I wanted to but that would make me look weak, and I hated being weak. Jason had no right to call my mom a bitch. I knew he never meant it personally but that was a really hard blow. She's dead, I thought grimly. She died shortly after she gave me and my siblings away. I hated to call her a bitch, because I loved her like any child would love a parent. Love is what caused my misery. I loved too many people and in the end, they've always disappointed me. Including my dad, Michael and my sister, Sara.

My body then reacted in the only way it could think of. I raised a hand and I slapped him.

Hard.

"You don't know me. You have no right to judge me, you fucking asshole." I spat.

I didn't know which surprised him the most; the fact that I've just slapped him or that I've sworn. He most certainly hadn't expected that, but I swear if he ever insulted me again, I wouldn't hesitate to slap him again. His cheek was heating up, I could see, and he wore the most shocked expression I've ever seen on him since I've met him. I could feel the pride welling up inside my chest. I was proud that I stood up to someone.

I didn't know what snapped, but suddenly his eyes turned ten shades darker, and I knew that in that moment I was royally fucked. Although, the self-worth feeling I caught onto, was definitely worth it.

His eyes were completely different. Much colder, angrier than I've ever seen them. It was as if he transformed into a new person, a person I was not looking forward to meeting.

My eyes widened on their own when he took the very last step closer, so that he was completely hovering above. I blinked suddenly, nervously when he lowered his head to look directly into my eyes. Green to hazel. For some reason, I was scared when he looked into the pools of hazel my eyes possessed. They said that the eyes were the windows to our souls, and I wasn't ready to exploit my feelings to him.

My labored breaths stopped when Jason suddenly opened his mouth to speak.

"Some balls you managed to get there for a moment, Daisy." He dragged out my name slowly, as if tasting it. Even though this wasn't very expected, I couldn't help but move closer to his touch. He was really warm and smelt so good.

I internally face-palmed at my own thoughts. I blamed my hormones.

"Funny thing is, I usually dislike when someone hit me. There's no respect in that at all, and as you know I'm usually respected by everyone." His eyes glinted dangerously, speaking a hidden message. "And, I usually hurt or kill those who dare try and touch me, but with you," he chuckled menacingly. "It's different."

I gasped suddenly, intimidated by this whole situation. I couldn't wait to get out of here and get some fresh air. It was comforting knowing that maybe he wouldn't hit me back, because I swear it would hurt like hell.

"You wont hurt me." I muttered.

"I could've that night in the alley, a year ago, but I didn't. Why? I have no fucking idea." He snapped, irritated.

"Maybe because you not as heartless as you assume." I whispered. I've met his nice-guy side. And he did have one, which said a lot.

"You don't know me, you have no idea what awful stuff I have been doing since I knew how to walk. Trust me Daisy, you would be afraid of me, like every other person who judges me, or knows me." He sounded a bit upset, which stirred unsettlement in the pit of my stomach.

"No, Jason. Your gang leader status or the fact that I know you do these awful things isn't the thing pushing me away. You are. The things you do, the things you say, that's why I'm so content on ignoring you. Every time I think I can trust you give me another reason to be afraid."

I inhaled deeply and placed my hands on his bare chest. I ignored how good it made me feel, I ignored the tingles, I ignored how rock hard and wonderful his chest felt, and instead I gave him a slight shove away from me. Jason didn't seem to do anything, he just stared at me with a lost look. He looked almost sad and I found that to be a new look on him. I wasn't sure he was capable of feeling sad until now.

I felt like hugging him, but I stopped myself.

"If you can't treat me properly then leave me alone." I didn't know why I felt so depressed saying this, but as I slowly left the room, I gave him one last longing look before closing the door. His expression puzzled me, and I was curious to know what he was thinking.

I entered the indoors cafeteria in search of Penny. She was easily spotted due to her mop of strawberry blonde hair, and obviously, being the only person in the whole lunch room with an anxious look on her face. I chuckled, she was too paranoid for her own good. Before joining Penny and the rest of the group, I headed to the lunch line and waited till the three people left in line would finish buying their lunch. However, that was not very well accomplished as I bumped into a strong chest. I huffed impatiently, wanting to get my lunch already. I was starving, especially since I skipped breakfast and Professor Fitzpatrick was boring me with statistic. I hated statistics, and I always would. It was beyond boring ever since high school, but if I wanted extra credits I would have to do it. It was also useful when doing research and a good skill to have in any formal job.

"Wow, watch your step." A voice said, chuckling afterwards. I looked up and glared but it faltered when I realized who it was. Just to my luck, I got Jason's doppelganger after I tried to ignore him too.

"I wouldn't want you falling for me already, now would I?"

"Oh, trust me. You're not my type." I smiled sweetly but it dropped immediately when his friendly look disappeared and replaced it with a saddened, offended look. "Wait, I mean. . . It was a joke! I didn't mean it like that. I said in a rush.

"Ha! Gotcha!" He smiled brightly.

"Ugh, youre a jerk."

"As I've been told before."

"Whatever, just for that, you are buying me lunch." I announced sternly.

"No problem, as long as I get to sit with you." He winked.

"Wait, I was joking, Ace."

"But I wasn't."

"I don't want your money."

"Im not giving you money, Im buying you lunch."

"I don't want your lunch."

"I'm not buying you lunch, I'm buying you food."

"Oh god," I slapped a hand over my forehead.

He was laughing crazily to himself, as if he was 'so' funny. I huffed and moved to walk past him.

"Okay, okay! Just please let me have lunch with you." He smiled so charmingly, I couldn't help but think that he was so different to Jason. He was far sweeter, and not once did he insult me like Jason had.

"Why, poor Ace got no fwends?" I asked teasingly.

"Oh, shut up, Daisy." He muttered, crossing his arms.

"Is it true? Do you have no friends?" I asked seriously.

"Of course not, I do have friends. I would just like to become friends with you too."

"Oh, well in that case, you can join me for lunch, but you can't buy me anything. I'm not a damsel in distress. Got it?" I smiled. For some reason, I didnt feel any romantic feelings towards Ace even though he was attractive. I had a feeling that the feeling was mutual.

"Got it." He saluted, straightening his posture. I giggled at this childish behavior. He was something else.

After waiting in the line for a few minutes, I got myself two slices of chicken and mushroom pizza and a pineapple fruit juice.

"No wonder you're so thin." Ace joked, or I hope he meant as a joke.

"No wonder you're so fat." I said back, sticking my tongue out at him

"Oh please, I wouldn't call all this muscle fat. Sexy and hot, but not fat."

I rolled my eyes smiling at his ego. That quality he shared with Jason as well as looking similar. I would give him points for being friendly.

"So, I guess you will be sitting with me. But just so you know, I have friends too." I announced.

"Oh, that Penny chick? I wouldn't mind, she's really cute." He winked.

"And also, really not interested in you. I mean, she has a boyfriend." I lied. I didnt know if Penny would like me selling her out to random guys.

He scoffed. "She has a boyfriend? I wouldn't think so."

"How would you know Penny? This is her first year at this college." I wondered curiously.

"Oh, uh..." He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I've seen her around."

I smirked. Seen her around my ass. I had a suspecting feeling that he had a crush on my good friend.

"Well today you've scored because we're heading right that way!" I cheered.

"I thought you said she has a boyfriend?" He asked confused.

"Huh? I did? Well, I'm all wired today so don't listen to me." I laughed.

"Okay, cool I guess."

"Now come on."

We arrived at the table, but I noticed the slight change of seating. It was usually Mavis who sat first, next to Jaxon, then Penny opposite to them and next to Grayson whereas I sat on Penny's other side. However, today was different. Michael had taken my seat. I wasn't picky on where to sit or anything like that, but since he has arrived he hasn't been sitting with the group. It was different today, and I was met with the harsh reality of things.

"Hey guys." I called and caught everyone's attention. I ignored Michaels gaze and smiled at the rest.

"Hey Daisy!"

"What's up?"

"Hi, DayDay!"

"Penny, don't call me that." I scowled.

"How can I not? I invented that name and I get to call you it! Duh?" She smiled brightly and spoke with her usual friendly voice.

"Fine, PenPen." I stuck my tongue out playfully.

"You little mugwump-" She quickly ended her sentence and glanced behind me with a 'dear caught in headlights' look.

"Uh, Daisy. . ."

"Oh! Ace, I almost forgot about you."

"I'm flattered. Now come on, does it take you so long to introduce people to your friends?"

"Right. Guys, this is Ace and Ace this is my friends. That's Penny, Mavis, Jaxon, Grayson and Uh, Michael."

"So lovely to meet you all." He smiled.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Sit down." Mavis seemed to be the only one that wasn't suffocating. I haven't heard any rumors about Ace, but he was Jason's brother after all and seemed to be related to the gang too.

Unfortunately for me, I had to sit directly opposite Michael, since he and Ace seemed to be glaring at each other. Fortunately for Ace he scored a seat next to Penny, who looked as if she might turn purple any moment now.

"So, did you get any notes in Fitzpatricks lesson?" Jaxon broke the tense silence.

"No, he bored me completely." I sighed taking a bite of the delicious pizza.

"I have them. You can come over to my dorm." Mavis offered.

"Sure, thanks." I agreed.

After a long ten minutes of silence, and Ace basically gulping my remaining food, he finally broke the silence. I dont think I have ever seen the group so silent before.

"Are you guys always this boring, or am I the problem? Because I'm not leaving until Daisy does." Ace joked, lightening the mood.

"Maybe you are the problem. Leave Daisy alone." Michael snapped.

"Do you really want to go there?" Ace glared at him, but this one wasn't playful. It was quite intimidating.

"Do you really think that any girl would be interested in you after what you did?"

Ace suddenly stood up and banged his fists loudly against the table. This seemed to have caught everyone's attention as the light chatter suddenly died down. I did not have a good feeling about this.

"What the fuck did you just say, fucktard?"

I was engulfed in shock, never having seen Ace so angry before. He was always the calm one between him and Jason.

"You heard me. Stay away from Daisy."

I frowned. As did the rest of our table. I bet they were all wondering why he decided to act so defensive and protective of me when he didn't know me at all. I was surprised that he hadnt told them that we were related either.

"Fuck you. With that said Ace stormed away from the table, a livid look on his face.

"Leave him alone, Michael." I snapped and grabbed my bag.

"I'm so sorry guys, but I have to go. I'll see you in chemistry class." I pecked Penny on the forehead and rushed in the direction where Ace took off. He seemed like a genuinely happy person, so it surprised me to see how angry he got. Michael must have hit a sensitive button, and despite my curiosity on what Ace did that was so bad, I had to see if he was okay. That was my general concern with people.

"Ace!" I yelled rushing after him.

He ignored me and continued taking long strides away which I failed to keep up with. "Ace!" I called.

We entered a deserted hallway where he abruptly stopped.

"Like Michael said, Daisy. I should stay away from you."

"But you're my friend, aren't you?" I asked sadly.

"I... You are, and you shouldn't listen to whatever they say."

"I won't. What had Michael meant when he said that?"

"It's complicated."

"If you won't tell me-"

"Damn it, Daisy! Can you please just shut the hell up."

I flinched slightly.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Ace?" An annoyed voice came from behind us. Just to my luck, the devil himself decided to make an appearance.