Emily Reynolds
My Mended Heart
The moment you first walked through the hall, I knew I loved you. Everything seemed to be in slow motion, then time stopped all together. Everything was you, every breath, every step I took, your pretty laugh and glowing curls, and each fluttering blink. It was all you. Your eyes glistened at me and I took in the biggest breath; it broke my heart into pieces. My mind was racing with thoughts of your pace, like a dance, so graceful, so strong. So strong it made me weak just looking at you.
There was a kick in your step and life went on, and time kept going, so fast just like my vicious words, jumbled, pouring out like lava. I though that if I could get people to hate you, then maybe I could hate you too. I hoped it would stop you from staying in my heart, already in pieces because of you.
But it didn't work, and my heart stayed shattered. Your smile melted my eyes; your voice was so mesmerizing, like a lullaby. I couldn't hear it anymore. I wouldn't talk to you, and for the longest time I just watched. You were so innocent – I couldn't hurt you. My rumors ceased along with my frustration, but even that was only a temporary stop.
Weeks later, I found myself walking down the hall, with my fist clenching the necklace that meant so much to me. I wasn't thinking as I held it out in front of your ocean blue eyes that burned right through me.
"This is for you," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady.
My mind was racing yet again, but now with the desire to run and hide forever. The aching shards of my heart reminded me that it was wrong.
"Really?" you asked, your beautiful face scrunched up in confusion. It felt like a bullet in the heart to see you so lost.
"Yeah, I mean, I don't want it anyway so I thought I'd give it to you." The words came out of my mouth so fast, like a rushing waterfall.
Your simple thanks sent a swarm of butterflies throughout my mind and body. Just knowing that you liked it made me want to fly, but without wings, I cannot, so I'll just walk away with a smile on my face, and a mended heart instead.