Axel's Daisy

8 • Destiny

  I saw the real him when he ditched his team to sit beside me on the bleachers. Beneath his rough exterior as a bad boy, there was a softer side to him.

  I saw it in the way he passed by me with a hidden smile in the next day's classes.

But then I noticed my classmates crowding around us, frowning maliciously at me. I never imagined I'd face this kind of hostility on just the third day of school. We hadn't had any clashes yesterday; it had been a normal day spent with my dad reading novels.

   My answer was right in front of me on the school's board—a newspaper photo of me and him, with me holding his arm and my face partially covered by my other arm. My hair color was hard to miss, and I wished desperately that I could change it so nobody would recognize me.

I wanted an escape button when I returned from Biology class and found my locker trashed.

"It's really bad. We might need to get you a fake identity and a wig," Jade said, flailing her arms as she told a clique to leave. "How about the name Marla? Jacey?"

   "Jade," I rubbed my temple and exhaled, "I won't be changing my name anytime soon." The attention was suffocating as the jocks made snide comments. Jade shooed them away when they laughed at us.

   She put an arm around me, protectively guarding me from the nasty glares. It felt like I was zoomed in on, as Jade led us away from the desperate, nosy people.

We heard a commotion outside, followed by some loud noises. I opened the door to the hallway and saw Brady and Alex cornering a junior. Axel approached the terrified kid, grabbing his shirt. "You're going to delete that photo, and I won't say it twice, twig." He spat in the kid's face, who nodded frantically and fled the hallway.

"That's awesome, guys! Get some adrenaline in!" My hyper best friend clapped for them. I tried to stay hidden behind the door, but Jade pulled me out as I sheepishly looked away.

"Looks like we have fans," Brady said, raising an eyebrow as he smirked at Jade.

"Just a fan?" Jade hinted bravely, hugging her chest to emphasize her cleavage—a smart move.

"Nicki won't go easy on you, Brads," Alex warned, but his eyes remained on Jade as he shooed Alex away. Alex rolled his eyes and stood beside Axel.

Axel glanced my way, but I was too lost in thought to notice that he was almost close enough to touch. His eyes roamed my face calmly while Jade was distracted. His gaze then dropped to my bare hands, and he noticed the harsh red mark on my wrist. His scowl deepened into a full-blown frown.

  "Who did this to you?" He seethed, touching the bruise. I winced and pulled my hand behind my back, shaking my head.

"Just nobody. Forget about it." My mouth felt dry, and I didn't feel good as I ran out of the school, feeling like I was surrounded by filthy snakes.

I got into my car and started the engine, heading to my secret place—the one place where I felt like I truly belonged. I needed a break from everything I hadn't asked for.

Arriving at my sanctuary, the only haven where I could clear my head before the review, I thought about how I wanted to make my dad proud by landing a job. I wanted to fulfill his wishes and more.

   My conscience nagged me for my behavior towards Axel, but this needed to happen. I couldn't be around him for the same reasons he couldn't be around me. It was a dead end; nothing would work out. He had a bright future ahead with his talent, and I remembered cheering for him with genuine excitement because I liked him for who he was, beyond the façade he hid behind.

I was the only one who saw him clearly.

I parked the car and left my phone inside to disconnect from everything. The small field of dandelions, along with roses, sunflowers, daffodils, and dahlias, cheered me up. I took off my shoes, settled my toes in the rich sand, and sat beside them. I plucked a dandelion, closed my eyes, and made a wish.

"Destiny."

Hearing my name on his lips, I realized I wasn't dreaming. Axel Hughes, dressed in a black sweater and faded jeans, stood before me, hands on his hips as he scanned the surroundings.

He followed me here.

The only question that crossed my mind was: What did he want from me?

   I stood up, and his eyes brightened as he approached. "This place is incredible. How did you find it?"

"It's a long story."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere."

With his foolish grin, I sat down next to him, matching his smile.