Axel's Daisy

4 • Destiny

I hugged my tulips to my chest and brought them closer to my nose, savoring their divine scent that pulled me away from the jocks and the greedy world around me.

Then my gaze landed on Axel Hughes, yanking me back to reality. He was sandwiched between two shabby guys, staring directly at me. The chill that ran down my spine and the fluttering of my eyes in response to his gaze were unsettling. I had never felt this way about a guy before; he heightened my senses in a way I couldn't understand.

Jade's fangirl squeal pulled me out of my trance as she held my sides, breaking our stare.

"He's eating you up with his eyes," she whispered.

"Don't look at him."

She ignored me, pretending to adjust her hair and glancing over her shoulder, only to be met with Brady's questioning look. Her eyes widened as she gasped at me.

"Am I dreaming, or did Brady just notice me? This is huge; we'll be popular!" Her excitement made me smile dorkily at her, amused by her glazed-over eyes at the thought of fame.

I had to endure my dad's questions the previous day about 'the boy who saved me from the party that almost ruined my future.' I slapped myself repeatedly to forget the mortifying party. Even Jade tried to downplay what I said during my sleep frenzy.

Sunday passed in a blur, but today I was thrilled about my flower decoration class. Jade wouldn't be with me this time because she had a family dinner, as her mom owned a local fashion brand.

Throughout my classes, I found myself drifting off to dreams filled with plant projects and Axel. Why was I thinking about Axel? I scolded myself ironically during history class.

There was nothing new at this school. I had seen it all during my years in Wisconsin—just the usual first-day pranks on juniors and the kickoff for the football team.

"Students, remember today's event taking place tonight," Mr. Deon declared in his tight striped suit. "The Warriors football team celebration as we embark on new beginnings."

Thankfully, Jade didn't insist when she whined about missing it. Flyers were being distributed to every student, and the rebellious groups were clustered around the three main figures at the school: the two old faces and the new guy.

I noticed the distant mist on Axel's face when we walked to lunch at 12 p.m. in the cafeteria. He simply placed an apple on the table. The mist disappeared as he looked at the apple and gave me a quirky smile when I sat down in front of him, a choice made by Jade, who squealed behind her toast.

He must have heard the apple swear in the bathroom.

I wanted to plant my face on the table with my tulips beside me. I took out my tiny water sprinkler from my bag and watered them gently.

"I need to set you up with him and set myself up with Brady," Jade decided, glancing sternly at me before turning back to the squad.

"Jade, seriously..."

"We have more important things to focus on," she repeated. I pouted. "You know it's true, and it's weird how you always know what I'm about to say."

"Full offense, Desti, you need to live your youthful life," she said with a Cheshire grin as Brady's attention shifted back to her. Most jocks had the attention span of a goldfish, so he soon moved on to check out other girls.

"I am living my youthful life," I scoffed, holding my tiny plant pot as the bell rang, signaling the start of our next two classes. "It doesn't have to be about glam and guys."

"Whatever you say. Just loosen up a bit," she nudged me with her shoulder. I nudged back with a grin until my smile faded when I noticed Axel's eyes on me yet again.

Classes finally ended, and I hugged Jade goodbye before rushing to my polished car. It was only ten minutes away, and I looked forward to my form of therapy, with my tulips buckled into the passenger seat.

Going to the center always felt like a new experience, truly making me happy. Mrs. Alberta acknowledged this as she gave me a hug and directed me to the first row. I neatly arranged my tools on the table and heard a scoff from Betty Lowe. Glancing back, I saw her with her usual scornful expression.

"Kiss-ass," she muttered with a sneer.

I dismissed her as I focused on what brought me joy.

Mrs. Alberta spoke about the moral values of flowers, explaining how they sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others, just like how my mom had sacrificed herself to help me.