She

Am I allowed to look at her like that? But I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. Not when she was smiling to herself, humming a faint tune that carried through my window. Her frizzy curls was drawn back from her dark face, coils dancing around her shoulders as swayed in time with her song. I could recognise the soft murmuring of Latin, and I closed my eyes at her melodious voice.

It was probably wrong, but she was just so nice to look at. The way her golden eyes lit up like the stars when she carefully tended to her daffodils, or when her pink lips parted slightly in concentration as she gently pulled out the weeds from the flower pots. I was hypnotised by how the sun reflected and bounced off of her curls and her soft voice as she cooed at a baby bird. Everything about her was beautiful and it was wrong not to appreciate it.

I wouldn't ever say it to her, of course. She and I were too different. She was like the sunshine, radiating happiness, seemingly glowing. The way she made people feel lighter with her laugh, I couldn't help but to be drawn to her. She was beautiful yet ethereal, someone I had never come across before.

There were flowers in her golden brown locks, simple white daisies adorned her head like an iridescent crown. I wanted to call out and tell her that she takes my breath away with her effortless beauty, but I couldn't. I couldn't explain it. I knew deep down I would never have something so pure, so innocent, to call mine and it ached me to not be able to tell her. But it felt oddly good to hurt.

I was nothing compared to her. She spent her time bathed in the light, surrounded by her kingdom of flowers, while I was inside, consumed by the darkness. She was untouchable but so delicate. I would never be able to bring myself to come close to her, for I feared I would taint her light.

The setting sun cast its vibrant hues of reds and purples across the sky, painting the blue sky with life. The sheer curtains fluttered in the afternoon breeze, and I stood in front of the window, watching her work her magic in the garden. Smiling gently, she glanced around at the rooftop garden, placing her spade down and nodded, satisfied with her work.

She faced the sunset, the warm colours dancing on her angelic features, looking as peaceful as ever. I enjoyed the view, holding back a grin as she opened her arms out to embrace the dying sun. Everything about her was pleasing, and it made my heart race and my skin tingle. She turned around and our eyes locked.

Golden eyes widened in surprise but it was quickly replaced by a look of delight. I flushed, realising that I was caught. She skipped towards my window, her wild locks bouncing freely behind her.

"Hi neighbour," she greeted with a blinding smile, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. She was so enthralling, my whole focus was on her. The way she elegantly leaned against my window sill, beaming up at me - it was incredible I was still standing. I was so close to her. Her dark hand was placed next to where my fingers gripped at the ledge, so close but I could never touch.

We weren't technically neighbours. Like hers, if I clambered through the window, my feet would touch the rooftop of the apartment block. Her flat was across from mine, with a sizeable area between us that was converted into a garden, where she spent her free time creating her gorgeous arrangements.

I let out an embarrassing squeak before responding, "Hello Hazel." My cheeks were warm but I didn't care, for the intoxicating scent lingered in the air. She smelt like lemongrass and sleep. I don't know why she reminded me of sleep, but it could be because she was something I didn't want to disturb. Where only in my dreams could she be mine.

I reached out and plucked the fallen daisy from the window sill and carefully leaned forward. I brushed a lock out of her face before sliding the flower into the frizzy curls. We grinned at each other and she traced the petals, giggling her thanks.

Dazed, I watched her talk, happily chatting away about her day. God she was enchanting. I didn't mind admiring her, but only from afar, because at least that way, she wouldn't see how much she affected me or realise how much I loved her. Because even though I was standing in front of her, gazing into her captivating orbs, we could not be more far apart.

"It's getting dark," she said, glancing behind her, "I should get going." The sky was melting into dark purples and greys, with the first hints of stars twinkling through the clouds.

I swallowed back the slight disappointment and chewed my lips. "Stay safe."

"Good night." She turned around, giving me one last smile before hurriedly making her way back to her window. She leaned down, scooping up her bag and heaved her window open. She slipped inside and as she went to close the glass, our eyes found each other again. I blushed as she waved at me, and I watched her back retreat into her house. I let out a heavy sigh, closing my eyes.

.

She meant everything to me.

.

.

But to her, I was nothing at all.

AN - Hello again! I hope you enjoyed this little story. This was inspired by the song 'She', by Dodie Clark (you can find her on YouTube at doddleoddle). I don't know whose perspective this is written from exactly, but I had Reyna or Piper in my mind, but it is totally up to you and how you interpret it. Let me know who you thought it was :)

I liked writing this and I hope you liked reading this as well. Feel free to leave any criticism and prompts for future drabbles/stories. Until next time, stay safe.