Sunlight gently traced her face, matching every contour
as if in reflection. Her eyes were closed, and her breath was even. I was drawn
into the silent game between the crinkle of her brow and the twitch of her
nose. Back and forth, and back and forth. Up and down, and up and down. She was
truly the image of a sleeping beauty, for her glow was natural and not tainted
by artificial blushes and foundation. My fingertips were itching to follow the
patterns of her skin, yet the fear of her waking made me pause. I laid my head
down not two inches from her face, feeling her breath come out in short even
puffs. My eyes bore into her eyelids, imagining I was staring deep into those
chocolate browns. If she would allow me to, I would look into them for
eternity. Sadness began its overwhelming descent into the pit of my heart, then
I couldn't stop my hand from touching her face. So beautiful. I then got angry,
angry at myself for doing this. She was not mine, and she never will be. Yet in
the sweetest moments before dawn, there are times I will forget this undying
truth. I watch as my thumb creates small circles just beside her eye, and down
her cheek, and to her chin. By the time I stop this forbidden descent, my hand
is tingling with fire and need. But I do not give in, because the after effects
would be endless. So I lean my forehead against hers, and I inhale her scent,
letting it fill my lungs-- then I exhale my selfishness, and pull back.
Sunlight gently passes her face, leaving every contour as if in a bittersweet
goodbye. Her eyes open, catching mine, and she smiles one of her beautiful
smiles. "Good morning," she whispers. Oh, that voice; what a sweet
melody it plays on my ears. She waits for me to return her simple greeting, but
I don't. My voice catches in my throat, and angry tears form in my eyes. Is
this what every morning will be? A wish? A dream? A nightmare? I can see her
watching the emotions swirl in my eyes, the anger and love and sadness. She
swiftly grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers together. A perfect fit. But
just as I start to feel complete with her, thoughts plague my heart. My long
honey-brown hair falls into my eyes, and as she begins to move it, I notice
soft skin against soft skin; I notice our hands are almost the same size, hers just
a little smaller but just as delicate; then I finally notice that all I am to
her is a lost soul, a lost girl. I stare into her eyes a moment longer, then I
finally decide to say in a gentle but barely noticeable yearning, "Good
morning."