Oak
Sunlight streamed through the leaves, casting shadows over her upturned face, a small serene smile gracing it as she leaned against the oak behind her, staring contentedly into the endless summer sky. How he wished he felt even a small measure of the peace reflected in those shining espresso eyes.
Kicking the dirt near his toes, he ducked his head, and sighed, feeling bad that he had blown off her overture of friendship a few months back. He had been afraid that his imperfections would rub off and diminish the bright hope in her eyes, but lately he had to wonder if it were possible. Nothing seemed to dim the radiance that surrounded her.
Not even his gruffness deterred her for long. It amazed him.
If he were a more fanciful child, he'd wonder if she were a fairy child or angel bound to Earth, but his dreams had been torn apart so many times he has a hard time believing in fairytales or other fancies. It's easier for him to believe in the monster in the closet, or really the monster that lived just down the hall, waiting to catch him with heavy fists, hate and harsh words.
And yet, if there were anyone to whom he would attribute such qualities, it would be her. Why else would he be so drawn to her light? How else could she have the power to keep him coming back despite all his intentions to stay away?
Walking across the lawn absently, he wondered what might have happened if he hadn't pushed her away, had he accepted the offer of unconditional acceptance that left him daunted and uncertain. Would he have found a little peace of his own? Or would it just remind him of everything that was lacking in his bleak world?
It had been for the best anyway. He'd probably just screw it up like he did everything else and she'd end up hating him, if she didn't already considering his callous attitude every time she approached him. Between his freakish nature and his unsavory background, he couldn't allow her to break through his walls – they would only hurt her and destroy him for being behind her downfall.
He had to stay away for her own good. To do anything more would destroy everything that fascinated him; everything he loved about her.
Looking up, he startled to find himself standing a few feet from the oak tree again; just out of her line of sight, although he knew she was aware of his presence. Drawn to her, he had done this on many occasions, stopping just short of her tree before quickly turning away and putting as much distance between them as possible.
Heart pounding, he froze and swallowed hard, about to leave when she turned, meeting his eyes with a soft smile. Getting lost in the most beautiful, kind eyes he'd ever seen, he didn't even notice his traitorous feet moving her way until he was on her and sliding along the trunk a few inches away.
Still holding his gaze, her smile brightened and she reached out, her hand coming to rest on the ground a couple inches from his own, leaving the ball in his court. A fine tremor shook him, his throat clenching as he frantically tried to decide whether to run or take her hand. This would change everything one way or another.
Lifting his trembling hand, he touched hers, a cold sweat breaking over his brow as fear and uncertainty coursed through his body, worried that she'd flinch and pull back, leaving him in the cold once again. His breath stuttered when her hand clasped his, her fingers entwining with his quietly and she tipped her face back to the clouds, a content smile on her face.
Watching her with wonder, he felt his own lips curve into a half smile and tipped his own face to the sky, letting the sun's rays and her gentle soul warm the cold that always wrapped around his heart, at peace at least for that small moment.