Axel's Daisy

31 • Axel

Destiny was unusually silent when she handed me my phone. As I unlocked my phone, I saw there were no new messages. My experience with girls was minimal, practically nonexistent. Destiny wouldn't hold my hand while she scratched her other arm; she turned her head away, clearly avoiding my gaze.

On the way to the party, she didn't say a word. I racked my brain for reasons why she might be upset with me. But nothing had happened just moments before that could explain her demeanor.

The living room at the party was packed with hastily rearranged furniture, which had become a makeshift stage for spontaneous dance-offs and impromptu karaoke sessions. A stereo in the corner blasted beats that reverberated through the walls, which were covered with posters of rock bands and movie heroes. The air was thick with a mix of sweat and perfume, occasionally punctuated by the scent of pizza slices hastily devoured between fits of giggles and games.

In the kitchen, the party's pulse was set by the rhythmic clinking of red plastic cups, which were constantly being filled and refilled with sodas and spiked punch.

Outside, the backyard was illuminated by the soft glow of string lights, casting shadows that danced like specters of teenage dreams across the fence. Conversations ranged from crushes to future aspirations, punctuated by bursts of laughter that echoed into the starlit night.

The scene was nothing like Brady's parties. He had promised to talk later, but he was preoccupied with Jade. We hadn't had a chance to catch up yet, so we agreed to put it off for now.

"You made it!" A preppy girl approached us with arms wide open, practically jumping on Destiny for a bear hug. After they pulled apart, her eyes widened as she recognized me. "You're Axel Hughes!"

"Yes, last time I checked."

"You're my brother's crush—I mean, he's a fan, he adores you." Her face flushed as she corrected herself. Destiny seemed uncomfortable as she scanned the crowded room.

"Tell him I said hey." I was always kind to those who truly appreciated my skills, which had been bolstered by my dad.

"Sure thing. I'm Indie, Destiny's coworker. Do you two know each other?" she asked.

I glanced at the redhead beside me, who remained silent, which only angered me further. I had to keep my composure as I looked at Indie.

"Yes, we know each other very well." I strained to keep my voice calm as I forced a smile.

Indie looked between us with some hesitation. "I'll need to take Destiny for a bit. Are you okay here by yourself?" she asked as she gently took Destiny by the arm.

"Sure, I'll just be here." I lifted a cup of punch in a casual cheer.

As they moved through the swarming crowd, my phone vibrated against my thigh. I pulled it out, but before I could react, another body was pushed into me. I shoved the short guy away as the crowd cheered my name. It was the price of being the popular quarterback, and it would have meant a lot if I actually cared.

I escaped the stuffy house and made my way onto the lawn, where I unlocked my phone to find a few new messages.

Aren't you going to reply to me?

We need to talk, Axel

The messages were from an unknown number. My frown deepened as I typed back.

Who are you?

It could have been my mom or Scott. I had deleted my mom's number and Scott was never in my contacts.

I texted you earlier, and you didn't reply. I'm Violet, and I want to talk to you

The realization hit me like a cold wave. My jaw tightened, and my nostrils flared with each breath as I seethed with anger. Not only had she cleared the notification, but she knew the whole story about her, yet she had intruded and didn't want me to know.

I closed my eyes for a full minute, trying to calm down, when I heard a voice behind me.

"Axel."

Destiny's voice made me straighten up as I turned around. Her eyes were filled with guilt.

"I thought I could trust you."

"You lied to me. You made me think she was out of your life. What now? Are you going to see her again like you have been all this time?" Her incredulity fueled my anger further.

"How the hell do you think I've been talking to her when I opened up to you about her? The story I told you was true." I exploded, and her eyes filled with tears.

Destiny's tears fell like gentle raindrops from a stormy sky, each one a testament to the weight of her emotions. Her normally bright eyes were now softened by tears that traced delicate paths down her cheeks, reflecting the turmoil within. Her lips, usually curved in a knowing smile, quivered with the vulnerability of her sorrow, forming a silent plea for solace. A furrow creased her brow, etched with the complexities of thoughts and feelings too heavy to bear alone.

"I-I thought you guys were talking to each other." She struggled to find more words as her shoulders slumped.

"You didn't even confront me about it. You don't trust me," I said. Her hands trembled as she tried to reach out to me, but I backed away, leaving her sobbing.

I hit the steering wheel in frustration when I parked in front of Bradford Beach.

Fearful thoughts wove through my mind like shadows cast by the unseen, creeping in uninvited and whispering tales of uncertainty. Each thought was a thread in a tapestry of unease, painting scenarios of me and my ex facing each other while she cradled her bump.

My heartbeat quickened in sync with these thoughts, a primal rhythm echoing the urgency of perceived threats. Images flickered like scenes from a dark movie, each one more vivid and terrifying than the last.

I don't know how long I stared at the waves, but I managed to avoid a panic attack by closing my eyes and counting to ten with halting breaths.

I rolled down my window to get some fresh air and was startled to see an unexpected figure.

"I knew I would find you here," she said.