Steph couldn't help but be a little down when she got home. She enjoyed being around Harry, even if it is just sitting in an empty park talking rubbish.

He always seemed to find exactly the right thing to say, no mater what mood Steph is in or what is happening inside of her head. Maybe that was the reason on just why she enjoyed being around him so much, he always made everything seem easy, and made whatever it was happening feel even better than it truly was. Sure, she had always found him extremely attractive and has had a crush on him since she can remember. But since spending time with him she has seen just how much depth there is to him.

It certainly didn't help how as soon as she stepped into her depressingly quiet house, her brother - Carter - had informed her that their mothers work trip had been extended and she wouldn't be home for at least another week.

This wasn't anything odd, and certainly wasn't the first time that it's happened. It most definitely wouldn't be the last either. Steph hadn't really ever minded though, other than the fact it stung a little that her mother could never actually tell Steph herself, Carter had always been the one to tell her. Maybe she had never minded that her mother was never really around as her mother wasn't particularly the nicest person and always had something to point out and say. She had learned to be independent - as independent as her anxiety would allow her at least.

Still, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at the information, wondering if her mother really did have to work or if she just didn't want to come home to her children. It had always been clear to everyone, not just Carter and Steph, that she hadn't really enjoyed the parenting roll, or having to look after her children.

However she has never been completely heartless. After their dad had left town, their mum had sworn that she would succeed as a singe parent and not give up on her family. This thought had always made Steph laugh though, as to her, it feels that her mother had packed up her bags and left them behind just as their father had. She was never really home and when she was, she'd always make it known that she had no intention on having any sort of conversation with her children.

She wondered just why her mother seemed to dislike her so much. Steph had always wanted and tried to have a good mother-daughter bond, but had never been given anything to work with or hold onto. To her, it felt as though everyone in her life seemed to hate her and not want to be anywhere near her. Other than Harry.

She rolled into her stomach, laying out flat on her bed and hugging her pillow, trying to calm her racing heart. She knew she had a breakdown building up inside of her, she also didn't want to let it control her as it usually does. But it always seems to have the power to take over her, all logical thinking flies out of the window as soon as it does.

Every time something goes wrong this seems to happen, and all she wants to do is tear open her skin and scream until all of the pain has gone. But nothing ever seems to get rid of the pain permanently. She only ever seemed to get temporary releases, always hoping that they'd somehow last - even if it was just for a little while - but they never did.

The tears seemed to roll down her face as she tried to stop her careless thoughts. She only hated herself more for letting herself think the way that she does. Hating how she over analyses every little thing, and how she lets her thoughts control her.

She couldn't help it though. She couldn't control it. In a way she completely contradicts herself, because she knows that she shouldn't act the way she does, but something inside of her screams to do so anyway. She knows she shouldn't say some things that she says, but something inside her begs to let it all out. She knows she shouldn't think certain things, but allows herself to do so anyway. She felt like a stranger in her own body. Not knowing what it wants or what it's going to feel next. Never knowing why it's feeling the way that it is. She just wanted to feel normal. She feels lost and confused, and she shouldn't. Not in her own skin.

Without another thought, she pulled out her little box with her favourite tool. She began dragging it across her soft skin, decorating her thigh. She knew that she would regret it after, knowing the shame that always takes over once she's done, but it still never seems to be enough to make her stop.

She had fallen asleep to the fain sound of her sobs, that had been slowly calming her down. She woke up the next morning, the light coming from her window seeming far too bright for her tired eyes. With dry tears covering her face in the most uncomfortable way.

She didn't really feel like going to school, her face still slightly puffy from the tears she had shed that night. Nonetheless, she still managed to pull herself out of bed and get ready for the day ahead.

"Hey." Alex said as she walked into class and sat beside him, trying her best to avoid Harrys stare. After last night, she knew that it would be best to leave Harry alone and continue on with her life the way she had before he walked into it; even though she really didn't want to.

She kept telling herself that it's best. That it is best to go separate ways now, before she does something to ruin their friendship and give Harry a reason to leave her just as everyone else in her life has.

Sure, she has Alex. She knew that and was glad about it as he is good company. But she couldn't help but notice just how weak the friendship is. It wasn't the type of friendship that would last. They only ever spoke in class and lunch. They don't even have each others numbers or even try to hang out after school. They were more of acquaintances than anything else really, and she couldn't help but to wish that he was a little more like Harry.

"Come sit with me." Harry said, joining Steph by her side. "What?" She laughed.

"I'm going outside and i want my friend with me. Don't leave me lonely, toots." He beamed, poking her cheek.

"Why don't you just get your friends to go with you?" She questioned, not really sure why Harry wanted to spend his time with her.

He rolled his eyes playfully at her question, shaking his head a little and tutting. "They're just not as cool as you." He joked.

Steph knew she shouldn't go with Harry, she shouldn't really be talking to him now. But she didn't quite know how to tell him. "What about Alex? I'm sure he will be waiting for me."

"He's a big boy, i'm sure he will be fine." Was all he said, before taking her hand and taking her with him.

They made their way over to a tree, Harry taking a seat as soon as he reached it. Steph just looked at him unsure.

"The ground isn't going to collapse if that's what you're worried about. Come! Sit!" He joked, patting the ground in front of him.

She done just that and rolled her eyes at him. "Actually, i've just been trying to avoid you." She states matter of factly, not even wanting to lie to the boy in front of her. She instantly regretted saying those words though as soon as she noticed that Harry had stopped chewing the piece of sandwich in his mouth and a frown took over his face. "Why?" He asked, finishing the food in his mouth.

"It's nothing personal. I'm just good at fucking everything up and thought i'd save you the mess." She laughed, hoping that it would break the tension.

"Heyyyy! Surely that should be my choice. Besides, you can't leave me. I like you too much. We are officially besties and you can't just ditch your bestie." He says, teasing her yet being serious at the same time.

"Isn't that what Lexi done to me though?" She joked, not really caring about whatever it was that had happened between her and her old best friend.

Harry almost choked on his food, completely bewildered by her response. "She's not a real friend though. She's just a fake."

"Fuck the fake friends, right." Steph laughed, throwing her hands up dramatically, Harry releasing a soft sound from his lips.

Stephs head snapped straight to Harry, his hand covering his mouth and his eyes widen. The corners of her lips begin to turn up involuntary. "Did you just- did you just giggle?" She laughed.

"No." Harry said, trying to keep his laughter and embarrassment contained.

"You're such a liar!" She laughed, hitting him with her bag. "Do it again!"

"I will not!" He laughed, blushing. "But it was so cute." She pouted, leaning into him. "Please, please, please, please!" She begged, tickling his sides causing him to fall back and sway side to side, trying to get her to stop.