Years ago...
Spring always made her nose itch. Partly due to the fact that she stuck her nose in every flower of the garden, each scent making it worth the repercussions. Additionally, it helped preoccupy her until her friend arrived.
There was a sense of attraction that came with the break of the spring term. After working until there was no energy left in one's body, the home in the countryside was the perfect remedy for restoration. The sun felt warm, but the lingering breeze of the season before made it all the more desirable.
"...I think my grandmother might like you better than me..."
She smiled seeing Jamie as he joined her in the backyard, "Without a doubt."
Unknowingly, Jamie gave her a moment to herself before he joined her. From the kitchen, he chatted softly with his grandmother about the journey over. They spoke about how courses were going and the improvement he'd made through his art all his eyes followed her while she floated through the garden like it was her own. With a soft elbow to his ribs, his grandmother encouraged him to let his presence be known.
"This growth is tremendous," She complimented his grandmother's hobby, impressed with how her foliage survived the snow.
Jamie hummed in agreement. He wanted to take credit for helping his grandmother, but he complained too much about the chore to truly claim it as his own. She moved deeper into the labyrinth, seeking out the herbs. That was her original assignment, to find the thyme, but distraction always accompanied her.
"Has your favorite changed?" He asked, plucking some stems as he trailed behind her.
Every spring, she picked a new flower and tried to mimic its fragrance. She claimed that change was important as they were in the formative years and experimenting needed to be done then.
"Don't you ever feel like trying something new?" She chided him, knowing he'd have something to say.
"Not usually, no."
They teased each other back and forth about little things, unimportant things just to gain momentum after being apart for what felt like too long. Jamie had received the grade for his top choice of art school, while she didn't pay too much attention to the bare application she turned in. Her path was never as clear as Jamie's, it wasn't supported by the same kind of creativity that people gravitated towards.
There was tension when she received the letter that told them they'd be separated for university. At the moment Jamie failed to see how he made her feel like it was her fault for the separation. To make amends, Jamie made sure the spring was always spent together. Yet, this was to be their last guaranteed stay, which fashioned a somber tone to the way Jamie moved throughout the garden.
She ignored it better than he had and when she turned to tease him directly, she saw the collection he was making. It was an eclectic bunch of buds, all delicate and vibrant.
"Your grandmother will love those," She smiled. Any and all clippings were scattered throughout the house making it fragrant and lively.
Jamie knew how she tended to brush him off. It happened every time he tried to bring attention to his growing regard for her. Ultimately, though, he plucked the flower on the far left the one he saw her eyes lingering on earlier. He brushed off any dirt that tarnished the petals before thoughtfully placing it just above her ear.
The two bumped shoulders on their way in, physicality became an easier form of communication while they bumbled back to the warm dinner that was in the making. Jamie's grandmother looked forward to the company as it called for merriments. She wasn't sure how long the tradition would last for, therefore every meal was sacred.
