Chapter 11: Did she have something in her hair?

Danny
She had been missing for weeks now. Months even. And somehow, she still managed to cause  more trouble now than if she were here, how does somebody do that?

"Remember Daniel, if the Ryan's come into school tomorrow,  you do everything I asked you to do, look smart, talk clearly, everything." My dad rambled, fixing his tie in the mirror.

"Yes father, I know" I said, rolling my eyes for the 10th time today, I really wanted him to leave, I didn't want to risk him seeing Mr. Danvor.

"Right, well bye. Oh, and Daniel? If you do invite Kyle over and he ends up breaking more stuff, tell him the bill will be coming to him next time.

"Will do Dad, bye" I said, not hearing a response as he slammed the door. He did this a lot, went away on 'business meetings' he was as corrupt as they come and I didn't want to even think what kind of shit he had up his sleeve this time.

One family who knew about his corrupt ways were the Ryan's, not that dad knew. All that dad knew was that he needed to get the Ryan's on his good side. Megan knew that before she went away. She knew and she took complete advantage of it.

It was March time and the three of us were outside and paying cards on the benches, the sun beaming on our backs as we smoked our cigarettes. The headteacher never came out here, not that it would matter if he did anyway.

"I'm telling you Haz, you gotta be careful Nancy Litters, She gives me Alex Forrest vibes" Kyle said, studying his cards, though it made no difference, he never won.

"Who's Alex Forrest?" I asked.

"The crazy woman in Fatal attraction" Harry answered, putting his cigarette back into his mouth.

"Never watched it" I said.

"You've never seen Fatal attraction?!" Kyle said.

"Nah man"

"It's about this girl, Alex, who has an affair with this married guy, played by Micheal Douglas. You know these two, they proper hit it off, they're like fucking every second man. But then, all the sudden he gets this sudden realisation that he loves his wife and breaks it off with her. This girl goes fucking crazy, she stalks him like kills his rabbit I think? And Harry you have a rabbit!" Kyle said.

"That I do, but I'm not even the one in the relationship" he said smugly.

"Yeh but the idea of you breaking up with her and her going crazy sounds pretty realistic" I said, causing me and Kyle to laugh.

"Hey guys! Hey Danny!" We heard and I turned around to see Lennon standing there, smiling widely as usual and bouncing up and down on her shoes. She was always such a cheerful person, it was contagious.

"Hey Pip, you okay?" I said smiling back, she liked in when I called her 'Pip' I could tell my the way her usually pale cheeks turned pink.

"Yeh, I'm fine I just wanted to let you know that I won't need a lift home today. I'm going to Megan's house for a tutoring session, and she kindly offered to give me a lift there and back home" she said cheerfully. I heard Harry snort in the middle of her speech probably because of her calling Megan kind but Lennon probably thought differently and chose not to make eye contact. Considering that we all went primary school together, there was always a weird tension between Harry and Lennon.

"Ok well, if you're sure" I said.

"Yeh, see you later Danny, bye Kyle"

"Bye Harry" Kyle said bye back whereas Harry remained silent.

"Hey, you give her lifts home? You didn't tell me you were hitting that" Kyle said, smirking, and Harry turned his head to look at my answer.

"We're not, we're just friends" I said.

"Well that's boring" Kyle answered.

"And unsurprising. I mean come on, that girl literally skipped away, I can't imagine being around someone who is that nice all the time" harry said.

Before I had a chance to reply, I felt a hand on my shoulder, assuming it was Lennon again, I turned around with a smile on my face only to see Megan's face pulled him into a smirk.

"Hey boys" she said.

"Hey" they both uttered, resetting the cards.

"What's up Megan?" I asked.

"Well I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment" she said, smiling. Although, I knew it was fake.

"Two beautiful brunettes wanting your attention in the space of 5 minutes, aren't you a busy boy Daniel" Kyle said in a teasing tone whilst me and Megan walked away by the tree.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, attempting to make sure that my dislike for her didn't come through.

"Nothing much, what are you up to these days, apart from stalking my best friend?" She said, looking at her fingernails and I felt my cheeks but at her causal mention of Shelby. I didn't stalk Shelby, but Megan had caught on to the fact that they may have had feelings for her.

"I don't stalk-"

"What was Lennon doing by you guys?" She said, completely changing the subject.

"Just telling me that she didn't need a lift because you would give her one"

"Right, right" She said, leaning back against the tree.

"What do you want, Megan?" I asked, knowing that she didn't just cl me over for a casual chit chat.

"Another payment of what you owe me would be nice" she said and I felt anger building up inside me.

"Owe you? I don't owe you  anything! And you don't even need money Shelby!  I shouted whispered.

"Well unless you want everybody to find out that your daddy pays off the judges in his cases I suggest you start taking me more seriously" she said, crossing her arms.

"You're not really one to talk about corrupt fathers Megan, I think you're winning that race by a long shot" I hissed.

"And do you have any proof of that? Because I have proof of your father, just think about how much his reputation will be tarnished if they found out, and yours, you would lose your place at this school" she said, trailing her skinny fingers up and down my chest until I pushed them away.

"Think about how much damage I could do before you try to refuse me again" she whispered in my ear, before smirking and walking away.

I ran my hand over my blonde hair, I hadn't told anyone about Megan's threats towards me and my father. It was Sunday night, and I was preparing for Mr. Danvor to come over, the private investigator who worked closely with my dad. I was nervous for a lot of reasons. One, my dad would find out. Two, the idea that Mr. Danvor wouldn't be able to help us at all. And finally, Shelby Wilson is going to be at my house, alone.

"Shelby Wilson is going to be at my house alone" I said again to myself, as if it was now only sinking in and the thought made me palms sweat. I wasn't prepared for this. What do I do? Do I flirt? Do I make a move? What do I do? Just before I felt myself going into hyperdrive and I felt my phone in my pocket vibrate. It was Lennon.

Pip
Hey! Good luck for tonight! I hope that guy can help us and I hope the night with Shelby goes well! 🌻❤️

I felt a smile creep up onto my lips at her kindness and the fact that she remembered. She always signed off her messages with a '🌻' I'm not really sure why, but it was cute nonetheless.

It was then that I heard the bell ring. I looked in the mirror that my dad had just previously used to make sure that my hair looked ok, and took a deep breathe before opening the door. There she was.

"Hey, Hey Shelby" I said, clearly my throat.

I immediately felt my heart beat quicken up and my mouth open agape. This always happened. I wanted to straggle myself at how stupid I must look but I couldn't help it. Shelby was the most beautiful girl I had ever laid my eyes on, and every time I was around her I got tongue tied. Every single fucking time.

"Hi Danny" She said, coming in the house and I got a smell of her perfume. It smelled expensive and suited her persona.

"Your place is really nice, I don't think I told you that before" she said, letting her green eyes roam around big hallway. I let out a sigh of relief, glad that she liked it.

"Thankyou, my mum decorated it, she's an interior designer" I said, pointing around the room and putting my hands in my pocket in hopes of looking at ease.

"Oh maybe she can do my house sometime" she said, laughing. This is what I meant, nobody knew that Shelby could be a nice person sometimes. She wasn't the cold hardened bitch that everybody made her out to be.

"I can definitely sort that out for you" I said, and I actually looked into her eyes without looking away.

"Here come into the living room" I said, pointing her in the right direction and watching her hips sway as she walked into the room. Jesus.

"And thankyou for helping me out today with this, I really appreciate it" I said. I couldn't believe she was actually in my house, alone.

"It's not a problem, I'm glad I can help. The others though did they say anything like Harry? Or Lennon? They know I'm here right?" She said looking around the room causally.

"Erm-" I was about to answer before the bell went again, signalling that Mr. Danvor had arrived.

I opened the door, actually a little annoyed that he had ruined my alone time with Shelby before reminding myself that this is what it's actually about.

"Come in sir" I said, showing him into the living room.

"Pretty girl" he said in my ear while looking at Shelby,  before sitting down on the chair.

"I know" I whispered.

"Take a seat Mr. Davour" I said, politely.

"Call me Joe, Kid" Mr. Davour or 'Joe' shall I say, looked extactly how you'd expect an old cop to look. He had a bald head with a long beard and squinty dark brown eyes. At times, his breath smells strongly of alcohol but because of his reputation, I kind of let it pass. I sat next to Shelby on the couch and attempted to listen to what Joe was saying but the fact that if I moved our legs would be touching was a little distracting.

"Right, so why don't you tell me what's happening with this situation" he said clearing his throat and leaning back on the chair.

"Well, you already know that this- person, people whatever has been sending us all notes, and they game into Kyles house too. But now, they've gone a little to far, they gave us this note-" I handed him the note "basically accusing us of murder, and they have been stalking all of us, taking pictures or whatever" giving him the pictures too. All of them were there, but for some reason I couldn't find the one showing Lennon and Harry.

"We want to know why they are doing this as well as who they are" Shelby added, looking directly into his eyes. Her confidence both outstanded me and turned me on.

"Easy there darling, I'm not magic. I can find a way to get the person who did this, but I'm not interested in what you guys did to make them do this, that's none of my business" he replied.

"Considering Danny is paying you whoever much an hour, maybe you should make it your business, and I am not your 'darling'" she snapped.

"Look. Whatever this person has on you, it's probably personal. That's the case with most things like this. If they were going to go to the police because they thought you were involved in Miss Ryan's disappearance, they would have done it by now. I will go to the locations based in these pictures. Until then, It would be wise if you guys could try and find out if there would be anyone who would want to hurt you. Dry draw attention to all 6 of you, there's a reason this person is targeting you guys specifically. I don't know what you've done but this person is clearly pissed"

The last statement rendered me and Shelby silent.
____________________________________

"I am telling you 'and 'V' is the sexiest letter  in the alphabet. Think about it, 'Violent, Valentina, Vienne, even Vicky has a bit of a kink to it" Kyle rambled.

Almost every morning Kyle has a rant about something which is both completely ridiculous and irrelevant. Usually, Harry is with us and actually enjoys having these discussions, but we came earlier today and left me to deal with the child, AKA Kyle. Usually, I wouldn't even bother to engage in this conversation but, Kyle rambling on about something beyond irrelevant which actually comforting.

"I think S" I said deciding to pitch in. Thinking of Shelby. Last night, Shelby left practically straight after Joe, and I couldn't help but feel disappointment in my chest.

"Of course you would you wet wipe. But I've got 2 words for you. Susan Boyle. Is that really turning you on more than 'Valentina'" he said, making me roll my eyes.

"Okay, okay, well is this for both male and female? Is 'V' really the sexiest letter for guys names?" I asked, trying to throw him off guard.

"Now Daniel, I think we all know that 'K' is the sexiest letter for a male, for oblivious reasons" he said, pointing at himself, winking.

We kept walking until we reached the common room and saw Harry. He had his head down and was looking at something with a soft sort of expression on his face. He was wearing his usual colourful clothes with his yellow button sleeves rolled up. It's funny, I remember Harry telling me a while ago that he wasn't overly massive on the colour yellow, and he didn't think he could pull it off, but he seems to be wearing yellow a lot more these days. I suppose things grow on people. Because of his shirt, all his tattoos were on display, I couldn't believe how many tattoos we had gotten within such a short base of time but I couldn't deny they suited him.

"Hey man!" Kyle shouted walking towards Harry. It was then I looked and saw that Harry was staring at a picture we had gotten from this creep the other night. It was the picture of Lennon at his doorstep, smiling with cupcakes in her hand, the one I was trying to find yesterday. Why was he looking at that one photo? But then I realised that it was probably because that was the only one which had him in it.

"Hey you knobs" he said. Carefully resting the picture down on the table in front of him.

"Hey, is that anyway to talk to your lover Harold?" Kyle asked, throwing his arms around Harry's seat and messing his hair.

"Sorry babe" Harry winked. I let myself fall silent. Me, Harry and Kyle were like brothers. Even more so me and Harry to me. We were equal. But it was never lost in my mind that Harry was the one who people tended to gravated more too. Me and Kyle are brothers, in fact I meet Kyle before Harry but, although he has never said it I felt like he has always liked Harry that little bit better, maybe it was because they had their wank and tattoo sessions together, I don't know. It wasn't only Kyle. It was girls too, even Shelby at one point, but I never wanted to think about that.

"Hold on guys, I just gotta go piss, be right back" Kyle said walking off, leaving me and Harry alone. I noticed that he took the picture that was on the table and put it in his pocket.

"Why do you have that picture?" I asked him, finding it a little strange that he would want to keep it in his pocket.

"Oh shit yeh, I was gonna give this to you to give to that guy next time you see him" he said, taking the picture back out of his pocket but his checks looked a little flushed.

"Thanks man" I said but found the whole situation a little strange.

"I was nervous last night, and not just because of the detective" I said. I've always been a person who likes to speak about what's on my mind. Usually when it comes to Shelby, Lennon is my right hand person who is always there for me to talk too and rant about. But, I wanted to talk to Harry about this. I wanted to know what I was supposed to do, how should I act? Should I have made a move on her?

"Why? What's else happened last night?" He asked, pinching the bridge of his nose with his ring covered fingers, a usual habit for him. Usually, I would be worried that this meant he was snorting in the morning again. But, over the past couple of days he's been doing it less and less. His eyes aren't as blood shot anymore and he is actually able to concerate on his work, at least that's one good thing.

"Shelby came over last tonight" I said in a 'duh' tone.

"Oh right yeah, I forgot about that, I hope it went well man" he said, leaning back on the couch he was sitting on with his eyes looking bored.

"I' freaked out man, should I have made a move or what?"

"I don't know Dan. It's all about timing I guess, if it feels right, just go for it, if it doesn't just don't"  He said, shrugging. Sometimes, the things that came out of Harry's mouth made sense, but they didn't if you can understand that.

"Maybe I should speak to Lennon about it, she'll probally help me come up with a plan" I said. Lennon had a plan for everything, she always helped me no matter what.

"Lennon?" Harry said sitting up straight.

"Yeh you know Lennon, you've been spending a lot of time with her" I said and even I was surprised that my tone had a slight edge to it. Over the last couple of weeks, Harry and Lennon have becoming closer. Now, that isn't a bad thing, it's just weird considering that Harry never lets anyone get close to him in such a short amount of time. But, I suppose that's just the effect that Lennon has one people. I'm not worried  about the situation, I know that if Harry had an interest in Lennon he would have made his move ages ago and, I doubt very much that someone like Harry is Lennon's type, actually it was quite laughable. I just didn't want mine and Lennon's relationship to change I'm used to it just being me and her.

"Yeah I know Lennon, but maybe you shouldn't go to her about this stuff you know? He said, stretching the back of his head.

"What do you mean?" I said, frowning.

"I'm just saying, Lennon probably doesn't need to be constantly rammed with coming up with Shelby ideas. Especially when Shelby is constantly a bitch to her. I mean seriously man, she's supposed to be your best friend, stand up for her once in a while" he said in a dense tone, looking around the room, but his eyes showed annoyance and his vein in neck was sticking out.

I was pissed off, pissed off that someone who had been close to Lennon for such a short span of time was trying to tell me how to be a good friend. But, my mood immediately softened when I recalled the times that both Shelby and even Issy have said something to Lennon and I've never done anything, maybe Harry is right.

"Yeh, you're probably right man" and we both shrugged.

"Hey guys, sorry I took so long, but look who I bumped into" Kyle said, with Shelby right next to him.

I felt my back straighten  up and ran my hand through my hair. My usual reaction for when Shelby was around it seemed.

"Hey boys" she said smiling, looking for a place to sit. Harry made no effort moving up on the couch to make room between him and Kyle and before I lost my confidence I asked-

"Come sit here" pointing to the chair next to me. She smiled and it gave me slightly more confidence the fact that she didn't refuse and I don't know, sit on the floor.

As she sat next to me I couldn't help but once again take in her scent. Once again, she smelled of expensive, luxury perfume.

"This is nice isn't it, all of us together" she said, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear and blinking her think eye lashes.

"Lennon isn't here" Harry said, putting his hand on his chin and I watched as Shelby's green eyes rolled at this.

"Or Issy" Kyle added, looking around the room. They were right, they weren't here. We was missing the usual firirness that Issy brought and the natural calming atmosphere Pips brought.

"Well still-" Shelby said, smiling tightly almost as if she was being careful with her words.

"Oh my god, I'm so, so sorry" we heard and I already knew extactly who it was. Lennon was wearing a bright yellow dress today. It was the end of November, and whilst it was still surprisingly warm, it was still winter. Wearing a bright dress this time of year was something which was  so Lennon.

"Len" I shouted, calling her over.

"Hey guys" she said, her blue eyes trailing over all of us and showing her smile that I had grown to love over the years.

"Sit down" I said smiling.

"Here" Harry said shifting up so Lennon could fight between him and Kyle.

"Oh thanks Haz" she said walking over to the spot. I winced for Lennon and waited for Harry to correct her to to my surprise he didn't. He simply looked at her, and smiled, wiping his hands on his colourful trousers as she sat down. That was weird since when does Lennon call Harry nicknames and he's alright with it? It didn't really sit well with me.

"Hey look! We are matching!" She squeeled, pointing at her yellow dress and his yellow top. Of course, how could I forget that yellow was Lennon's favourite coulor?

"I know yeh, great minds think alike" he joked. He must be in a good mood today, god knows why considering everything that's happening, he uncrossed his legs so that his and Lennon's legs were now touching and the sight made me uncomfortable.

"Hey I'm wearing yellow too, wanna see?" Kyle said.

"Sure!" Lennon said, clapping. And before anyone could say anything else Kyle started unbluckling his jeans.

"Hey" Harry shouted.

"Cover yourself up man!" I said. Lennon just sat there with a confused and flustered look on her face.

"Calm down, calm down, I'm only joking" he said in a funny voice.

"Unless of course, you want to see it Lenny" he winked, I opened my mouth to tell him mouth, once again, but Harry beat me to it.

"Kyle, shut the fuck up" he said sternly. He hardly ever got stern with Kyle, mostly considering that he was just as bad as him.

I attempted to look at Shelby and not make it too obvious. Did she think my group of friends were immature? Was that off putting for her? I looked at her and her green eyes were darting back and forth between Harry and Lennon, Harry who was now whispering something in Lennon's ear.

"I know, I know. But it actually was my fault, so I needed to say it" she said, laughing, to which Harry just rolled his eyes at and put his hand around Lennon's seat. I was confused about their new closeness, and it anything a little irritated. But, apparently not as much as Shelby, who was starring at Lennon with a visicious glare in her eyes, why did she hate Lennon so much? Lennon didn't have one single bad bone in her body so I doubt that she could of done something to hurt her.

"Hey Shelby-" I said, trying to get her eyes back on me.

"Issy!" Kyle shouted, pulling me out of my trance.

"What do you want, shitface?" She asked Kyle when she got to us.

"I'll take whatever the guy in the photo we saw is having" he smiled.

"Are you always so piggish or do you just show off when I'm around" Everyone was kid of laughing at the interaction whilst Harry seemed to be looking at Lennon, did she have something in her hair?

"Come on, Isabella. Anyone would think that I annoy you"

"You literally annoy me by breathing Danforth" she said mad rolling her eyes.

"Sit down Issy" Lennon said smiling.

"There's nowhere to sit unfortunately" Shelby said frowning, although I know she wasn't really sad.

"Issy there's a seat right here for you, baby" Kyle said, pointing to his lap. To which she just gave him a look, I think she has kind of given up on even trying to chastise him at this point.

It was then that the bell rang, indicating that it was time to get to lesson. Kyle followed Issy to god knows where talking about god knows what. I wanted to say goodbye to Shelby but she was gone I even had the chance. I sighed in defeat. It was just me, Lennon and Harry left.

Lennon was looking at Harry's hands for some reason, whilst Harry was just standing there looking at her. I decided to interrupt.

"Hey Pip, you ready?" I asked.

"Oh yeah of course, I'll see you in English Haz"

"See you later sunshine, see ya Danny" he said and walked away but not before picking up Lennons  bag and placing it on her shoulder. Sunshine?. ?.

"Just incase. You were probably going to forget it" she laughed, me on the back and walking away. Leaving just me and Lennon. I don't know what it was, but something about Lennon and Harry being close just didn't sit right with me.

"You and Harry are getting along well" I said, stating a fact.

She was about to reply before someone bumped into her on their way to class.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry" she said to them. It was a habit of Lennons to apologise even when she didn't need to it was cute.

"Sorry what were you saying?" She said.

"I said you and Harry are getting along well" I watched as her blue eyes went to the floor and her face lit up with a smile.

"Yeh we are, he's a good friend" she said, still smiling.

"Just be careful Pip" I said.

"What do you mean be careful?" She said frowning.

"I mean he's my best friend and I know you guys are friend but we tends to be really distant and aloof at times I just don't want you getting hurt" I said.

"Danny, you should have more faith in Harry. Harry is a good person, he's kind and smart, I know we had a rocky start to our friendship but I really believe me and him are on the right track to becoming close friends"

"Hey, he better not take my place" I said, half joking, half serious. She just laughed.

"Would you rather Have a dog with a cat's personality or a cat with a dog's personality?" She asked randomly. She always asked questions liked this and they always made me laugh, but I never knew to answer them or how she thought of them.

"How do you think of these things?" I asked, laughing.

"I don't know" she said, blushing.

"Hey Lennon, do you think I have a chance with Shelby?" I asked seriously, stopping in my tracks and to look at her.

She looked around the hall for a bit, looking uncomfortable. Maybe Harry was right, I shouldn't put it past her. I mean it's clear to see that Lennon and Shelby didn't really get along for whatever reason, but Lennon was the person's opinion I valued more than anyone's.

"Yes. I think anybody would be lucky to have you Danny" she said, looking into my eyes deeply, almost sadly.

"Thanks Pip"

AN//
I'm so sorry for this chapter!! I feel like this is such a boring chapter!!!😭😭 But don't worry there's better stuff on its way 😉
Sliver lining- I've now done a chapter in every characters POV, whose POV do you enjoy most?

I love you, stay safe❤️❤️