My Stepbrother: secret possession

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.