Axel's Daisy

6 • Destiny

I didn't know what had gotten into her.

Every time I focused on my design project, she tried to sabotage it. She'd cut my leaves while I was fetching sparkles or drop soil on my table, all behind Mrs. Alberta's back.

She was pushing all my buttons, so I decided to confront her.

"Why do you have a problem with me?" I asked genuinely, as she crossed her arms tightly, causing her red sundress to crinkle.

If she weren't so hostile, I might consider her drop-dead gorgeous, but the greens in her eyes seethed with hatred.

It was time for decorations, and since I'd started ahead of the other girls, I had plenty of time. Each of them was in their own world, which is why I never tried to disturb their peace.

But she had a fascination with me.

"I think you're pathetic. Go have your mommy issues somewhere else."

I swallowed hard at her blunt insult. Deep breaths, you've heard worse. I counted to ten silently as I talked to myself.

My hand went to the back of my head as I looked back at the beautiful lilacs on my table, then back to her. She had her ugly truths hidden beneath those fine eyes, and she wasn't worth the fight she was trying to provoke.

"I really do hope you find peace somewhere," I managed to say before returning to my station.

Mom had introduced me to this center, and she knew the florists by name, her favorite being Mrs. Alberta. Known for her kindness and gentle soul, Mrs. Alberta inspired me to follow in my mom's footsteps and stay above the fray.

In a way, I felt like it would disappoint mom if I was mean to others at the center where she used to work.

I just bit my molars as I tenderly brushed the sand off the lilacs, choosing a velvet bow to wrap the pot. I blew gently on the leaves to remove any excess. Mrs. Alberta came to my side, offering support with a warm smile.

"You know, lilacs are your mom's favorite," she said affectionately. "Every time I look at them, I'm reminded of her." She placed an arm around my shoulder as I fought to hold back tears. She squeezed me gently, and I returned the embrace before she moved on to check on the other students.

In about a week, there would be a review where several florist stores would choose the next florist. This was my chance for a job in the field I loved, second only to my parents.

This was therapy for me as I focused on the details of the lilacs and peonies, carefully circling the bow around the porcelain pot filled with soil.

I was done for the day and admired my collection of lilacs and peonies. Hungry from the effort I'd put into my lesson, Mrs. Alberta excused me to leave and gave me a sideways hug. Her cheerful blue eyes met mine as I smiled back before tidying up. I left my beautiful arrangement by the window, planning to keep it safe.

After washing my hands, I texted Jade back. She had sent pictures of the gala, and I felt delighted by the stunning family photo they took. She looked amazing in her silver slit dress and sleek bun.

I didn't notice the loud music until a Jeep almost crashed into my car.

"Hey, watch my car!" I yelled.

The guy with his head and body out of the car turned to face me. To my luck, it was the infamous Axel Hughes. He seemed to have prodded the driver, and the car stopped on the side.

Feeling overwhelmingly self-conscious, I brushed sand off my casual red dress and raked a hand through my hair. It was as if my body reacted instinctively to his presence.

"What are you doing here?"

I winced at his neon shirt that almost blinded me in the dark. How did he manage to look good even in the ugliest shirts?

The muscles. Got it.

"You know this is a school event, not an electric running marathon," I said with a snicker.

"Don't avoid the question," he retorted, hands in his pockets.

Brady honked impatiently, and Axel yelled for him to calm down. I had quite the talent for having inner monologues and dialogues with walking testosterones.

"I was walking to the event," I lied. I checked my watch; it was six-thirty pm.

"Great, then you're coming with us."

He grabbed my hand and ran back to Brady's car, which honked again.