Axel's Daisy

30 • Destiny

  I was floating on a million clouds as I fluttered my eyes open to greet a new day. My fingers instinctively touched my lips, recalling yesterday's events with a broad grin. Jade was right about the "bite your lower lip" trick; it really did drive guys wild. She'd used it on Brady and then shared the secret with me.

  It was Saturday, and we had been invited to Indie's house. I leaned over to grab my phone from the top of the drawers. There were thirty messages from someone I was pretty sure had dubbed herself "The Diva Jade."

  How was the date?

  You heard about the girl on the news DYING of curiosity.

Don't tell me you slept!

Hello???

Ugh, you're such a Debbie Downer

DESTINYY!!!

  I chuckled at the crazy girl and sat up to make my bed. The mirror made me pause. My mascara was smeared down to my neck, and my nose was red—I looked like a mess, and my pajama shorts were on backward.

  Since it was the weekend, I chose a cute white lace-up floral dress and slipped on my creamy ballerina flats after freshening up and removing the excess makeup. I felt like myself again, but with a new glow. Gazing at the mirror, I saw a happy girl.

  I took a deep breath and tied my hair into a neat bun that accentuated my delicate cheekbones. It was ten in the morning, and I liked to have breakfast with my dad.

  The aroma of toast and cheese wafted through the house, heavenly. My stomach grumbled as I came into the kitchen and pecked my dad on the cheek.

  "There you go, my big working girl," he teased as he passed me my grilled toast.

  "Dad, you're embarrassing me," I said, smiling despite myself.

  "I just can't help it. You're growing up so fast," he said with a somber expression, which made me wonder if he was hiding something.

  "Dad, is there something you're not telling me?" I asked, concerned.

  Dad smiled brightly and took a bite of his toast. "No, no. I just remembered the memories of when you were a little kid."

  "How was I like?" I asked, curiosity piqued. I always enjoyed hearing dad's stories from when I was younger.

  He sipped his tea and said, "You were a very sneaky girl. You used to hide chocolates under your bed when your mom wasn't paying attention," he chuckled, "and then we made deals where you got to have one chocolate a day, and I would never tell your mom."

  I chuckled at the memory. Trying to recall, I remembered being five years old when Mom was alive. She used to stroke my hair and call me her "dulcet flower."

  "Yes, she would always find out eventually," I reminisced with a heavy heart, tightening my grip on my cup of tea.

  "Destiny, I want you to know that no matter where I am, I will always love you."

  "Dad, you're scaring me," I said, alarmed as he took my hand in his.

  "There's nothing to be scared of. I just want you to know that I love you," he repeated, but his eyes betrayed him as he glanced to his left before looking back at me.

  He was lying. My dad never lied.

  "Dad, please tell me," I whispered, my voice shaking as my heart raced.

  He rubbed his face, realizing I wouldn't give up. "I used my first salary early to sign up for therapy."

  I was shocked. Guilt clawed at me as I took in Dad's fatigued appearance. His face had deep lines, his eyes were drooping, and he had lost weight.

  "I'm sorry I didn't know, Dad," I said, standing up to hug him as I sat on his lap.

  "I felt it was the right thing to do. I've been having nightmares and got diagnosed yesterday," his voice trembled as I held him tighter. "I have post-traumatic stress disorder." My heart ached knowing I hadn't been there for him.

  "When is your first session?" I asked when we pulled away from the hug.

  "Tomorrow morning," he replied, cupping my cheek.

  I placed my hand over his and leaned into his warmth. "Count me in. I'll always be here for you, Dad."

•••

  Axel agreed to come with me to Indie's party. He was sprawled on my bed, flipping through his phone. It was amusing to see him bend his legs out of the comforter to fit. Dad had reassured me he was just going on a hike with friends and would be late since they were hosting a dinner party with some older acquaintances and their sons.

  The tall guy on my bed sighed and closed his phone as I buttoned up the last buttons of my dress. He was behind me in a flash, wrapping his arms around me as we checked our reflection in the mirror.

  "Isn't this too revealing?" He asked gently, kissing the side of my head.

  "Axel, this is the fourth dress I've tried on," I replied, exasperated.

  "I think it should be longer," he commented.

  "It's covering my knees. I don't think it needs to be any longer," I defended. The navy, short-sleeved dress was elegant with a casual hint.

  He tried to suppress a laugh as his serious expression shifted to a playful grin. "I'm just joking. You look amazing."

  I slapped his arm lightly, but my heart fluttered when he pecked my ear.

  He went downstairs to the car, leaving his phone on my bed. I picked it up, and a notification caught my eye, making my heart stop.

Hey, it's Violet. We need to talk.