Potted Mint

It wasn't easy as the days went by, trying to avoid Leigh's presence. He seemed to be everywhere, never missing a single family dinner or lunch, proving me wrong.

I could constantly feel his intense gaze on me, and I often wondered how Christian and Mum remained oblivious.

Even though I adamantly refused to ride home with Leigh the entire week, he didn't stop making my tea and leaving it either on the worktop or Lilith's passenger seat. On Wednesday, Lilith asked how I brought my flask in, and I stood there, completely paralyzed, unable to form any words. Fortunately, Leigh from the kitchen covered for me, reminding us that the foyer's cabinet held every car key. Since Lilith and I settled things the other night, I had somewhat relaxed.

While Leigh's presence dominated everything, his voice became unbearable to ignore. Every time he spoke, it felt as if I had lost something incredibly significant, and regret sometimes swelled up within me. Though I still didn't understand the reason behind this feeling. Why did Leigh mentally and physically bother me? Like on Tuesday morning, Leigh came back from his run and stood by the worktop, silently watching me drink tea. I expected him to tell me that he wasn't really considering Embry's invitation, but he didn't. He just stood there across the worktop, his gaze intense, without saying a word.

When he moved across the kitchen to collect water from the tap, my vision blurred as his arm brushed against my bare shoulder. The proximity was unbearable. Having him so close, inhaling his unique scent, and knowing that his lips held a forbidden allure for me was torturous. I swallowed hard and hastily left the kitchen.

At times, I worried if anyone in the cafeteria noticed the stolen glances Leigh sent my way, the smile he plastered on his face whenever I caught him, or the "How's your day going" text messages he sent me every day during classes. However, I hadn't replied because I was still angry at him for talking with Embry.

Today is the day that will determine whether Leigh is interested in Embry or if he's headed in a forbidden direction. "Remind me to collect those mint seeds before we leave," she tells me.

"I thought you wouldn't be back until five," I nod, asking Lilith, who had been getting dressed for half an hour.

"I'm taking a break. We're helping Suri plant today," she announces.

"The herb she mentioned the other day?" I ask.

Nodding once, Lilith turns to face me, wearing ripped jeans and a loose crop shirt. "Do you think I should tie my hair into a ponytail or leave it as it is? I like the waves," she says, turning to examine herself in the mirror for the hundredth time, I'm sure.

"It's hot outside. Just a word of caution," I sigh heavily, lying back on her comfortable bed with my trainers on.

My hair is gathered in a bun, and I'm wearing a light short-sleeved mini-dress. I don't dress any differently than a typical fifteen-year-old, apart from last weekend. But Lilith and the other girls are the epitome of mature teenagers. They believe beauty comes first before anything else. I don't judge them for it because it's likely every girl's code, but for me, it's reversed. Beauty isn't a priority for me, and I don't have to impress others to fit in. I'm used to wearing a uniform and brushing my hair every morning, so I don't have an interest in all the colourful stuff that Lilith and the other girls are into.

Finally, when Lilith settles on her choices, we head downstairs and leave a note for both Mum and Christian, informing them that we'll be home late and why (since we're going to help Suri propagate some plants).

We don't forget about the seeds as we leave for Whitekirk Place, the neighbourhood where Suri lives. We pull up near a three-story building almost the same size as Quinn's. Quinn's car is parked by the side of the road. I scan the relaxed environment where some kids are playing basketball. I don't frown until a child raises his middle finger in response to my intense gaze. Rolling my eyes, I catch up with Lilith and wait for the front door to open.

Suri appears at the door wearing an oversized shirt and goofy shoes. "Hey bitches," she exclaims, pulling both of us into a hug. "I've missed you," she cheers.

"I've missed you more than I can bear," Lilith says to Suri while I struggle to escape from the embrace.

"You've been together the whole day. We've even had lunch together," I say, finally freeing myself from the tight hug.

"She didn't say that. I'm offended," Suri pouts at Lilith, reacting to the reminder.

"Ava, seriously?" Lilith scowls at me.

Rolling my eyes mentally, I smile and assure Suri that I missed her more than she can begin to imagine, and her frown quickly disappears. She leads us around her modernly decorated house to her beautiful patio, where we find Beatrice and Quinn covered in dirt.

"What happened to you, girls?" Lilith exclaims in surprise.

"I leave for two minutes, and this happens," Suri huffs at her sister and best friend.

"Beatrice insisted on sowing the thyme seeds, which died before they even had a chance," Quinn glares at Beatrice, who is walking toward us.

"Don't mind her. She doesn't know how to plant at all," Beatrice tells us. "Ava, it's wonderful to see you again. I'll make lemonade and ice for everyone," she smiles at me while making the announcement.

"Likewise," I tell her, as all the girls agree to the beverage suggestion.

"So, do you have the mint seeds?" Suri asks after Beatrice disappears.

I hand the ziplock bag with the mint seeds to Suri. She politely takes it and places it on a table.

"I don't understand why Zachary has been stalking you this week," Lilith asks Quinn, who is sitting opposite us at the patio table.

"Yeah, I noticed that. What's his problem?" Suri asks Quinn.

"Nothing," Quinn replies, focusing on her half-full glass of lemonade.

"Zachary, the guy Sofia Halt is dating?" Beatrice asks the girls.

"Oh, yep, they broke up," Lilith annoyingly breaks the news to Beatrice, whose eyes suddenly widen, and her mouth drops open.

"What?" She almost screams.

"I thought I told you," Suri says to her surprised sister.

Shaking her head, Beatrice continues, "No, I had no idea. Oh my gosh! That's big news," she laughs.

Suri and Lilith update Beatrice with all the details she needs to know about Sofia and Zachary, while I silently observe the quiet girl sitting opposite us, wincing every time Zachary's name is mentioned. It makes me suspicious and uncomfortable, as last week replays in my head. What really happened when I couldn't find Quinn? When Embry was too selfish and refused to help her best friend? Did I let something happen that shouldn't have?

My head is consumed with thoughts and fears when the mention of Leigh's name brings me back to reality. It's like a sharp needle piercing my brain every time someone mentions him, especially after our kiss.

"He's already on a date with Embry. My dad will be so happy when he hears about Embry and Leigh," Lilith claims as we plant different seeds in some potting soil.

The lump in my throat becomes thicker as I keep hitting the soil with my palm.

"I know, right? Leigh was so in love with Hailey. I think Mr Boyce will be stunned by this new romance news," Quinn laughs.

"That's why I'm not getting involved. Leigh has to come out and share the news with our parents himself," Lilith says, glancing over at me. I get the feeling she's warning me to keep my mouth shut. Honestly, if there's anyone who despises the idea of "Leibry" around here or in the entire universe, it's me. Lilith shouldn't worry because I hate even the mention of Leigh and Embry in the same sentence.

"I'm so happy Embry got the one person she's always wanted, and I'm happy your brother has moved on. Hailey isn't worth it," Suri implies while I attentively listen to the girls.

"Yes, me too. I'm sure Embry will help him move on completely," Lilith smiles at Suri.

Confusion and curiosity about Leigh Boyce cloud my thoughts. If I remember correctly, Evie told me that Hailey changed schools because of the breakup. What kind of relationship did Leigh and Hailey have? What did she mean to him? How strong was their love?

Lost in my thoughts, Beatrice pats my shoulder, pulling me back to the present. It's clear they've been talking to me, as their attention is fixed on my confused expression.

"You okay?" Beatrice asks.

Nodding, I smile. "Yes, what is it?"

"I was thinking, maybe you could help us get some extra potted apple mints from home. We have an excess," Lilith politely asks.

"I don't know the way back home very well," I remind her, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Smiling, Suri rolls her eyes. "That's why you should go. You need more missions to help you get to know Vegas better."

"I will call an Uber for you," Lilith reassures me with a smile before leaving to make the call.

***

When I arrive home, it's quiet. I believe Mum and Christian aren't home yet, or maybe they're upstairs. Either way, I don't care to check since my Uber is waiting outside. I'm sure if they're here, they must have read the note we left for them. So I hurry to the backyard, where Mum and Christian planted during spring, as she told me on the phone when I was in London. I stand there, having no idea what an apple mint plant looks like. I close my eyes and inhale the fragrant scent that relaxes every nerve in my body.

At first, I almost believe it's the garden, but then he clears his throat and says, "Aren't you supposed to be at Suri's?"

I instantly tilt my head, frightened by his unexpected tone. "Aren't you supposed to be with Embry?" I shoot back.

Leigh is wearing grey joggers and a plain T-shirt. He stares at me with intensity, without answering. "Why do you care so much about my date with Embry?" he asks after a prolonged silence.

Embarrassed by his question, I quickly turn to face the plants, whispering a complete lie as an answer. "I don't care. You can do what you want with your life," I practically whisper because my voice gets stuck in my throat.

"Even if it includes you?" His words leave his lips, and I freeze. I literally freeze. All I can focus on is breathing and processing his words. Did he just say that I'm included in his life? "Ava?" he calls in his deep, soothing voice that weakens my knees.

Swallowing, I turn back to face him, keeping my head low so he won't notice my flushed cheeks. "What are you looking for?" he asks.

"Potted apple mint," I say, very low and slow, like a girl in middle school. Why does he have such an effect on me?

"Oh, that's it." He squats down in front of the silver pots of plants. "We have different mints, including chocolate. Your mum loves it, just like I do," he smiles up at me, his green eyes alive with a whole world of emotions, the smile that makes me want to kiss him.

"Oh," that's all I can say as he searches for the pot I need.

"You don't know?" he asks, once again facing me. God, he takes my breath away.

"I guess she found a new hobby while I was in school," I mutter.

He pauses his movement and asks, "You didn't spend much time together?"

Sighing softly, I swallow as I reminisce about the old days. "When I was in nursery school, we used to spend time together. She was still attending some consultant training classes back then, so after school, I would hang out with her around the campus and her friends. However, when she started working full-time, we had less time together. She had shifted, and I began attending primary school. Most of the time, I had to cook for myself, although I can't claim it was anything particularly healthy. Actually, I would make cereal with warm water and powdered milk, even though I don't understand why. That's what prompted me to apply for a scholarship that my aunt suggested, to go to boarding school. Because I hardly saw my mom; she would only come home when I was asleep and sometimes leave before I woke up. Her job there put a lot of pressure on her, but she's a wonderful mother. She would do anything for me. She saved all the money she earned to ensure I was well taken care of in that school," I explain, smiling at the memories of home or back in London.

"Yes, she is," Leigh agreed.

After a while, he stood up, holding a small silver potted plant in his hands. "You know, that night when I took you out of the party," he began, his gaze fixed on mine. My heart started pounding at the choice of subject. I wasn't ready to talk about that night. I thought we were done discussing it by now. However, Leigh's eyes told me something different. They revealed that he had more to share, and I could sense how much I was holding back. "You were so worried about disappointing your mum, but we..." he paused, blinking, before shifting his gaze to the plant in his hand.

"But we agreed not to let her know?" I finished for him, without thinking.

His eyes slightly widened as he questioned me. "Do you remember?"

Shaking my head, I gnawed on my lips. "I just think that's what we did since she didn't mention it at all." I lied, and I watched as the hope that had ignited seconds ago died in his eyes.

"Oh," he murmured and sighed heavily. "Here's your Apple mint plant." He held out the pot.

Taking it, I smiled at the slightly nervous Leigh Boyce standing a few feet away from me. "Thank you." With that, I turned towards the patio sliding door. But then a foolish idea struck me, a risky idea, yet I decided to go for it anyway. I paused and turned to find him staring at me. "Since I've missed your ride for four days straight, do you mind giving me a lift to Whitekirk Place?" I flashed him the best smile I could muster at that moment. He chuckled and shook his head before stepping forward and agreeing to take me to Suri's home.

After apologizing to the taxi driver waiting for me outside, I noticed Leigh tipping the driver (which made me somewhat uncomfortable) before he joined me in his Bugatti and pulled out of the driveway.

I skipped different songs, trying to find something familiar, but everything on Leigh's phone playlist that's connected to the car was loud and electronic. Boys will always be boys.

"I give up," I said after numerous attempts.

He chuckled and pulled out a flash from his glovebox, connecting it.

Narrowing my eyes at the familiar sound, Leigh smiled at me before focusing back on the road, and I instantly began blushing as Leigh sang along to the radio while tapping his fingers against the wheel. "Never had much faith in love or miracles, uh! Never wanted to put my heart on the line, uh! But swimming in your water is something spiritual, I'm born again every time you spend the night, uh!" I didn't understand the reason for my rosy cheeks, but I knew those lines meant something more than just mimicking Bruno Mars.

However, Leigh skipped some lines that made me bite my lip to stop myself from blushing further. And then I joined in as the innocent lines came up, though not as innocent as my school back in London would agree. "And it shows, yeah, yeah, yeah. 'Cause you make me feel like I've been locked out of Heaven, for too long, for too long. Yeah, you make me feel like I've been locked out of Heaven, for too long, for too long."

At that moment, I knew full well that Leigh and I shared something tangible, something we were both aware of. Either we didn't want to accept it, or we were afraid to.