Marigold and Daisies (H.S.)

Seventeen

Marigold's POV

2008 - 9th Grade

I had a stupid final project assignment. My English teacher assigned us a presentation on what we aspire to be in life. I overheard my classmates brainstorming what they were going to talk about. Some of them said their dream was to be a doctor, a lawyer, a freaking astronaut.

It felt almost pathetic to even consider talking about opening a flower shop. They would make fun of me, that's for sure.

"Who cares what other people think?" Harry huffed, his arms crossed over his chest. He was very persistent that I make the presentation about what I really wanted to do with my life. "And if they make fun of you, I'll beat them up for you." He smirked, puffing his chest out.

I rolled my eyes at his actions.

"I already don't have friends, do you really think people will want to be my friend after this?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

It's not that I had zero friends, I'm just not very popular. Harry on the other hand is a social butterfly. He gets along with everybody, he knows everybody and everybody knows him. I didn't mind though because even if Harry was friends with the entire 9th grade class, I'd always be his best friend.

"Petal, your dream is to open up your own flower shop. Yes or no?" He raised his eyebrow at me. I rolled my eyes, my fork jabbing at the disgusting lunch in front of me.

"Yes." I huffed.

"So to that I say-" Harry lifted up his carton of milk in the air above his head. "Fuck the haters!" He cheered, my eyes widened and I slapped my hand over his mouth.

"Watch your mouth." I hissed, glancing around the cafeteria to see if anyone heard him. Nobody did thankfully.

Harry laughed into my hand, pulling his face away.

"Fuck the haters!!" He said even louder, this time a few heads turned to look at us because of his sudden outburst.

I shoved my face into my hands, hiding the redness that consumed my cheeks.

"Harry, stop! Shhh!"

Harry was cackling beside me, clearly amused with how flustered and embarrassed I am.

"Say it with me, Petal." He nudged my shoulder, I shot him a glare and shook my head furiously. "Say it! I'll scream at the top of my lungs if you don't say it."

I know him too well to know he wasn't bluffing.

"H." I shot at him, he kept his eyebrow raised, challenging me.

"Say. It."

"Fuck the haters." I whispered, so softly I could barely even hear myself say it. Harry shook his head no, not amused.

"Fuck the haters." I said a little louder, straightening my back a bit as I spoke.

"One more time, Marigold." Harry was grinning at this point, satisfied that he's managed to get me to swear out loud.

"Fuck the haters!" I said louder, loud enough for the surrounding tables to hear. Harry cheered beside me, raising his carton of milk again.

"Fuck the haters!!" He shouted, loud enough for the entire cafeteria to hear, mostly everyone turning their head to stare at the two of us.

"Mr.Styles!" The deep voice of our principal, Mr.Nelson, boomed through the room.

Harry stifled a laugh next to me as I shrunk into my chair.