When I look back on my years as a little girl, I always seem to
smile. People must have found me interesting, as surly I did, or maybe even
odd. My curly red hair was everywhere at once, and a goofy smile was always
on my face. One of the most amazing things about me though, were my dark
emerald eyes. They always had the ability to see what slipped by so many
others. They saw behind closed doors, and still do sometimes, but I think
some of it faded away as I grew out of my childish innocence and curiosity.
I remember one day I was taking a walk with my grandmother in a park
near her house. My Grandmother loved it there, and she took me every time I
visited. From what I remember it was beautiful, with its small lake, and
tall, thick trees. Nature seemed peaceful in that little park and it
always attracted people just wanting to relax. I enjoyed spending time
there, sitting and watching a fraction of other's lives, getting as deep as
I could into their own selves with just one glance, but that day I finally
decided to let my grandmother in on my secret passion.
I sat down on a bench, focusing on a certain person. My grandmother
sat beside me, watching my expression with curiosity. "She isn't happy
here. " I said, still giving my full attention to my subject.
"Who isn't?" My grandmother asked, curiosity rising. "Her." I pointed
with my small finger to a girl with dark brown hair, playing with other
teenagers her age. "The way she smiles, I can see it inside of her. I see a
demon in there Gramma."
"What do you mean honey?" She asked, almost frightened of what I
said.
"She' not a bad woman Gramma, she's just sad, the demon is sad too. I
think its gonna kill her Gramma."
My grandmother gasped at my words, I said them impassively, though I
felt pain for her, I did not understand it all until much later.
"How do you know such things?" My grandmother was never one to accuse
a child of lying; her voice was gentle and friendly.
"I told you, her smile, it's not right. I just see these
things Gramma, I just know."
I was quiet for another moment, my eyes drifting for someone else to
see. "See her?" My grandmother nodded, tracing my finger to a woman and her
husband. "She's hiding something. The way she moves and talks, she's lying
to him. A life is gone inside of her Gramma."
I'm sure any other adult would have punished me for saying such
things, but I think my grandmother truly believed me. I could almost sense
her waiting for whom I was to find next. My words surprised me sometimes,
when I think about it, I still don't know how I understood the things I
said, I was
much to young to know about such things, especially with what I was to see
next.
"Oh Gramma, it's beautiful."
"What is dear?"
I pointed my finger once again, leading it to two young people
arguing near a small ice cream stand. The girl was short, blond hair
flowing down her back in a peculiar yet intriguing hairstyle. A bun was
twisted on each side of her head holding the two pigtails in place. She
screamed at a
young man, tall with black hair, as if she were a child. He just laughed
and ran his fingers through his hair, saying something each time to provoke
the girl even more.
"They're in love Gramma." She laughed, and I think she began to truly
doubt my words.
"My child, you must be kidding, those two look as if they can barely
stand each other, you must be seeing wrong."
"No Gramma," I protested, "I see just fine. They love each other,
just too proud, just too scared, that's all. See their smiles, see their
eyes, that's love in em Gramma, they just don't know it yet."
My grandmother smiled. "Whatever you say my child,
anything is possible."
"It's more than that Gramma, its destiny."
My grandmother let out a small laugh at my seriousness on the subject
and took my hand.
"Come on, I think you've had enough of this for one day."
As we walked off, the girl who had been by the ice cream stand
stopped and looked at me, I smiled. She quickly turned back to the man,
continuing her actions like she never saw me, but I know she did. Somehow I
think deep inside she knew what I was thinking, that I was trying to tell
her not to be
afraid. Once in awhile when the mood is right or when I am watching a
romantic movie, I wonder what happened to that couple at the park. I
already knew though, for I saw the love that had gone unseen.