Axel's Daisy

18 • Destiny

Tissues, blankets, and clothes were strewn around me as I stared dejectedly at the ceiling. My body felt as though it had been shattered, and I had lost all sense of time. My dad had been kind enough to inform the school that I was sick.

I felt nothing but a frozen heartbeat, a numbness that made me acutely aware of the worried glances my dad cast my way when he checked on me, and the gentle kisses Jade placed on my forehead as she tried to lay next to me.

"Jade, please go."

"It was just a stupid review; don't let anyone or anything get you down."

She attempted to pull back the covers, but I grasped her wrist and looked at her. She must have been horrified by the deathlike pallor of my face.

"I want to be alone, please." My voice was barely audible, strained and hoarse from my tears.

"Okay," she agreed softly, "I'll be downstairs if you need anything." She tried to comfort me as I attempted a smile, but it ended up looking more like a grimace.

I turned onto my side and stared into the corner of the room. Creaks from outside my door barely registered as I sniffled, my pillow soaked from today's tears. My eyes were now dry and empty.

This was the consequence of investing too much effort into something. I had sunk to the bottom because I had relied on it too heavily.

Suddenly, the covers were yanked off me, and I was lifted into strong arms. My hands instinctively wrapped around the person's neck, and my legs clung to his waist to keep from falling. His rugged hands supported my thighs, helping me lift myself.

"Let's get you cleaned up, Daisy."

I was irked at being dragged out of bed as Axel carried me into the bathroom and set me down next to the sink. Dressed in knee-length shorts and a white flannel, I felt exposed, but Axel didn't seem to care. He turned on the tap, cupped some water, and gently rubbed my face.

"Axel, I really don't want to go out," I said breathlessly.

Axel didn't take no for an answer. He turned off the tap and handed me a towel to dry my face.

"I have a surprise for you, so take a shower and meet me downstairs," he said softly, "Listen, Daisy, you're stronger than you think." He grazed my cheek with his fingers, looking at me with affection. "Just trust me on this one, okay?"

"Okay."

He smiled warmly, kissed me on the cheek, and walked out. I wondered what the surprise could be as I stripped off my clothes and took a shower, washing away the sweat and tears.

After the shower, I dressed in a red sweater, denim jeans, and black boots. I dried my hair so it hung straight down my back. I felt like a new person as I glanced in the mirror, but my puffy eyes looked deranged. I applied concealer to cover them.

"Axel, what did you do to get her out of bed?" Jade asked, surprised when she saw me.

  "Just my usual charm." Axel flashed a lopsided smile that made my cheeks flush as he looked at me from behind Jade.

  Jade turned to me, hugging me and whispering, "You better tell me what happened in your room later."

I hugged her back with a smile and walked over to Axel, who opened the front door for me. My dad had texted to say he would be back from work later.

We got into his polished red Toyota, and he started the engine. It was a comfortable silence, and I took the opportunity to admire Axel's sharp jaw and sultry lips. He had never kissed me, and I imagined what it would be like, my cheeks heating up as I looked away.

  The familiar oak trees and the fiery sunset painted our faces as we drove. The open window revealed the forest, alive with colorful butterflies and the beauty of fallen leaves scattered on the logs. I loved Wisconsin; it was where I was raised, and its natural beauty always brought me peace.

"We're here," Axel murmured.

My eyes went to Mrs. Alberta, who was holding a medal, and my jaw dropped in surprise. Axel's subtle wink and grin were unusual for me to feel such intense emotions, but life was too short not to act on them. As we got out of the car, I practically leaped into his arms.

He enveloped me in his warmth, and we parted slightly as he stroked my hair. His expression was filled with such tenderness and intensity that I felt like I might melt.

"You should smile more often," he said genuinely, his eyes reflecting his affection. "I never want to see you sad again."

My mouth curved into a broad smile as his fingers touched my cheek, and I leaned into his hand.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me." I needed to express my gratitude to the most caring person I knew.

"When you look at me like that," he whispered as he leaned down, "I feel like I want to kiss you." Thankfully, he didn't meet my eyes, or I might have died from embarrassment.

"Why don't you?" I asked daringly. I didn't know I had it in me, but a part of me longed for that kiss.

"I'm saving it for our date later," he replied, "but for now, you have a medal to collect and a meeting with the reviewers tomorrow." He noticed my surprise and gave me a second kiss on the cheek. Checking his watch, he said, "I have to get ready for tonight, and you're coming to watch."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said softly, my favorite smile appearing on his face before he headed back to the car.

I approached Mrs. Alberta with the biggest grin on my face.