Beneath The Seasons

[5]Winter Festivities

Friday morning comes in like a wrecking ball, and by the time we hit third period, I'm already regretting everything. We're supposed to meet up to finalize our project plan before the weekend, but it's like herding cats. Everyone's got an opinion, and of course, they're all different.

\We're in the library, papers spread out everywhere, and tensions are already high when Axel finally speaks up. "This is ridiculous. We've been at this for an hour, and we're still going in circles."

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my cool. "Maybe if someone didn't keep shooting down every idea without offering any of his own, we'd be done by now."

Axel's jaw tightens, and he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I'm just trying to make sure we don't hand in something half-assed."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I snap back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't realize perfection was your middle name."

Abby, who's been sitting quietly this whole time, finally speaks up. "Guys, can we just chill for a second? We're all stressed, but fighting isn't gonna help."

"Yeah, Liv," Nathan adds, giving me a pointed look. "Let's just focus on getting this done."

I shoot him a glare, not appreciating the way he's siding with Axel. "Easy for you to say, Nate. You've barely contributed anything."

Axel snorts, but it's not the amused kind-it's the I'm-so-done-with-this kind. "Look, if you're not going to take this seriously, then maybe you should just step back and let the rest of us handle it."

And that's it-the last straw. "Excuse me?" I snap, my voice rising. "Who the hell do you think you are? Just because you waltzed into this school last minute doesn't mean you get to call the shots!"

Axel stands up, towering over me, his eyes blazing with anger. "And just because you've been here since day one doesn't mean you know everything, Olivia. Maybe if you actually listened for once instead of trying to control everything, we'd get somewhere."

The room goes dead silent, everyone watching us like we're about to start throwing punches. My heart is racing, and I'm so angry I can barely see straight. "You know what, Axel? Screw you. I'm done with this."

I grab my stuff and storm out of the library, not caring where I'm going, just needing to get the hell away from him before I do something I'll regret.

I head to the courtyard, where the cold air slaps me in the face like a bucket of ice water. My breath comes out in furious puffs as I pace back and forth, trying to calm down, but it's like trying to put out a wildfire with a cup of water. I can't believe Axel-how he had the nerve to talk to me like that, like I'm the one who's been slacking off. The arrogance, the nerve, the... ugh, everything about him just drives me insane.

I'm so wrapped up in my anger that I don't notice Rory and Abby following me until they're practically on top of me. Rory, ever the peacekeeper, holds her hands up like she's approaching a wild animal. "Liv, hey, take a breath, okay? It's just a stupid project. It's not worth getting this upset over."

I stop pacing and look at them, still fuming. "He acts like he's the only one who cares about this project. Like I haven't been busting my ass from the start!"

Abby crosses her arms, her expression serious. "Yeah, Axel was a total dick back there, but you kind of lost it too. You let him get to you."

I groan, running a hand through my hair. "I know, okay? But he just... he gets under my skin like no one else. I can't stand it."

Rory steps closer, her voice soothing. "Liv, we get it. Axel's not exactly Mr. Sunshine, but maybe he's just as stressed as the rest of us. You know how new kids are-they feel like they have to prove themselves."