Axel's Daisy

24 • Destiny

  "He did what?" Jade squeaked in surprise, her eyes wide. "Tell me more!" She grabbed my arms and shook me excitedly, surrounded by snacks, and I couldn't help but laugh at my enthusiastic best friend.

  I blushed as I recalled the conversation, and Jade's mischievous smirk didn't help at all.

  "We just talked about the Violet and Brooke situation, and then he mentioned that our date is tomorrow night."

  That got her jumping with excitement. She gasped and did a little hip wiggle while standing on my bed, and I laughed heartily.

  "The outfit is definitely on me," she declared as she settled down and munched on vinegar chips. "So, did he tell you where he's taking you?"

  "No, he just told me to wear something that doesn't get dirty."

  "Ooh, is he taking you for a motorbike ride or skinny dipping?" she teased, dragging out the words.

"Jade!"

  "What? It's kinky!" She flung her hands in the air, exasperated. I rolled my eyes at her as she pondered what outfit I should wear. "I definitely have a nice denim and a crop top."

  "We agreed that there would be no skin shown." I rejected her idea.

  "Girl, show those curves a little. Give him something to think about—you're so boring with those flower dresses."

  I felt a sting of insult at her critique of my beloved flower dresses.

  "You need to wear something that would really stand out," she said with a mischievous grin as I shoved her playfully. "Okay, okay, I'll bring a cute and comfortable outfit for you. You can count on me," she promised, though her impish grin suggested otherwise.

  It had been ages since we had a sleepover like this. Between Jade's training with her family for their spring collection and my busy schedule at the center, I missed these times. I missed planning things out and watching movies together, which usually ended in popcorn fights over who the hottest guy in the movie was.

  "How are things with Brady?" I asked.

  "Are you sure you want to know?" She looked at me with a Cheshire grin.

  I squirmed. "Please don't tell me you've already gone through base three."

  "Correction, I'm about to." She hinted, leaving me unsure whether to congratulate her or lecture her.

  "Be careful, I don't want to be an aunt too soon."

  Of course, Dad walked in at the perfect moment, bringing us his special avocado and honey smoothie as our faces reddened.

  "I'll pretend I didn't hear that," he chirped before closing the door behind him.

  We burst into laughter after setting our drinks on the drawers.

  After reminiscing about old memories—from hair braids to the ugliest school uniforms to our first crushes—our laughter filled the room. My gaze fell on the list, reminding me that I had to choose and call tomorrow.

  I grabbed the list from the side of the bed, feeling overwhelmed. I couldn't decide because I would love to work with any of them. It was a tough choice between Calline and Lena, while Danté was quickly ruled out. Despite his impressive number of companies, he didn't seem like the right fit for me.

   Jade snatched the list from me, scanning the salary info before exclaiming, "That's a lot of money! You need to go with Lena. I mean, four hundred dollars a day is fantastic." She made a valid point; I could buy everything I wanted for Dad and the house with that kind of salary.

   I had to steady my racing heart as it hit me that I was living my dream—the dream I had longed for my entire life, surrounded by the people I loved.

   "Yeah, I think I'll go with Lena," I agreed as we sipped on our smoothies. "When are you going back to sewing training?"

   She made a face of disgust and lay on her stomach. "Ugh, don't remind me. You know it's the worst lesson for me. Can't I just sketch and have them do it? My mom thinks I need to learn how to sew to be better at design, but I don't need it." She protested.

   "You're going to make a great collection. Everything will work out," I said, massaging her head as she closed her eyes.

  "I hope so," she said, rolling onto her back and pouting at me. "Or else I'll end up fighting with the mannequins."

  We tidied up my room, turned off the lights, and got ready for bed. We were exhausted from school, so we cuddled up and fell asleep with happy smiles on our faces.

•••

   The morning sky was a canvas of serene beauty and endless possibilities. As dawn broke, a symphony of colors painted the horizon, welcoming the birth of a new day. The tranquil azure expanse stretched endlessly, adorned with wisps of cotton-like clouds that danced gracefully to nature's melody.

   I usually woke up early, accustomed to it. I laughed at Jade's noisy snoring, which sounded like a gorilla. I loved my best friend with all my heart as I took a moment to watch her scrunched-up face. She mumbled "linen and seams" in her sleep before shifting to the other side.

   It was a beautiful morning as I got out of bed and made my way cautiously out of my room, dressed in shorts and a tank top.

  "Dad, you're up early," I said, surprised to see him staring out at the view.

   There was a dreadful silence.

  "Dad?"

  His shoulders shook, and he quickly wiped away tears, trying to hide them. I could tell he thought I hadn't noticed, but I did. It made me anxious.

  "Dad, what happened? Talk to me."

  "They're taking the house from us."