Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett

Daisy recoiled slightly, her cheeks flushing unexpectedly as she felt the familiar unsettling touch of Lance’s hand on her head. His gesture wasn’t new, but it always stirred a quiet unease within her.

Lance’s expression turned stern, his lips thinning and his nose flaring as if he’d caught a whiff of something off. “Why didn’t you dodge when he kissed you?” His tone was edged with a hint of reproach.

“It happened so fast, and Shawn was drunk. He probably doesn’t even remember,” Daisy responded, her tone suggesting she saw nothing wrong in the situation.

Lance took in her words, realizing she was still innocent to the complexities of relationships. There was no need to rush; he just had to be there, watching over her like a guardian.

Lance’s eyes dimmed as he considered Shawn’s actions. He then extended his hand to Daisy’s cheek, his thumb gently erasing the spot where Shawn’s kiss had landed.

Daisy was confused by this gesture, wondering what Lance was trying to convey.

“You had a smudge,” Lance explained, his voice soft. “It’s gone now.”

Daisy, still unsure of the subtext, thanked him politely, “Oh, thank you,” she said, her gratitude genuine but her confusion lingering.

*****

News of the party quickly became the talk of the school, and with Yvonne’s flair for the dramatic, the story of Shawn’s interest in Daisy turned into a scandalous tale of her making unwanted advances. The rumors spiraled, with some even saying she’d offered herself and been rejected. The wilder the stories, the more they spread.

Daisy, though, didn’t let it bother her. She focused on the classes she enjoyed and spent her breaks at Lance’s store, enjoying some free snacks and drinks, living a pretty comfortable life.

After a class one day, Emma, fanning herself with her notebook, suggested to Daisy, who was resting her head on the desk, “It’s such a hot day; let’s go get some popsicles.”

Daisy’s eyes opened slowly, her usual energy gone. She looked like a flower in the school garden that had lost its bloom in the heat. “I can’t go, Emma. Period.”

Emma put two and two together. That explained Daisy’s quietness and why she was constantly holding her stomach-the secret troubles of being a girl. “Alright, rest up. Is there anything you want me to get for you?”

Daisy shook her head, still weak. “No, it’s okay, Thanks, though.”

Emma was a true friend, the first one Daisy had made in this school. She was so kind, always stepping in to defend Daisy against Yvonne’s provocations and refusing to believe the nasty rumors about her.

Daisy knew friends were a treasure, and she valued Emma deeply.

Emma and her friend went to the convenience store to pick out popsicles.

At the checkout, they couldn’t help but glance over at Lance, who was casually playing on his phone. He looked older but had the casual air of a college senior.

Lance had been wondering why Daisy hadn’t come by for her usual freebies when he noticed two girls looking at him. One of them, Daisy’s classmate, he recognized from previous visits.

Emma, not wanting to be caught staring, quickly looked down, nervously taking out her money to pay and leave.

“Hey, you in the red-checkered shirt,” Lance called out.

Emma’s heart raced, wondering if he was talking to her. She turned to find Lance right behind her.

He was really tall. She looked up at him. “What’s up?”

“You’re Daisy’s classmate, right?” he asked.

Emma relaxed, realizing he was asking about Daisy, not looking for trouble. “Yes, that’s right.”

He pressed, “Where is she? I haven’t seen her today.”

“Oh, she’s not feeling well, resting in the classroom,” replied Emma.

“Is it serious? It’s so hot out; maybe she has heatstroke?” Worry creased Lance’s forehead at the thought of Daisy being unwell.

“No, it’s nothing like that. She’s just resting.” Emma reassured him.

“Cive her this,” Lance said, taking out a vanilla ice cream bar. Daisy had mentioned the store didn’t have her favorite flavor, and he’d made sure to stock it today.

Umma hesitated. “Lance, Daisy can’t have the She has a stomachache”

“A stomachache? Is it bad?’ Lance’s concern was evident. He was about to frown again. feeling an urge to check on Daisy in person. After all, as a guy, he didn’t fully

understand the female condition.

“It’s not bad, just a normal thing. She can’t have cold food for a few days”

Understanding the situation, Lance put the ice cream back. “Wait here a moment”

He went to the back and returned with a thermos after around ten minutes.

“Give her this. And the ice cream for you and your friend is on the house.” Lance’s face showed a bit of awkwardness; after all, this was his first time doing something like this for a girl.

Emma, a bit confused but grateful, took the thermos, surprised to find it warm. After thanking Lance, she hurried back to the classroom, feeling a bit envious of Daisy’s special treatment.

Back in the classroom, Emma approached Daisy’s desk and placed the thermos in front of her with a conspiratorial smile.

“What’s this?” asked Daisy.

“Just a little something from the guy at the convenience store,” Emma explained, her tone hinting at more than she was saying.

Intrigued, Daisy lifted the thermos lid and was greeted by the sweet, s**y scent of ginger tea.

Emma leaned in, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “So, what’s the deal with you and the cute store owner?”

Daisy felt a blush creeping up her neck. “We’re just friends,” she replied, trying to sound casual despite the heat in her cheeks.

Emma raised an eyebrow, not quite believing the simplicity of Daisy’s answer. “If you say so, but he’s going above and beyond for a friend. He seems to be looking out for you.”

“Come on-

“Daisy was about to respond

Right then, Yvonne’s snide comment cut through the conversation. “Some folks are always trying to catch a guy’s eye, I guess.”