Opia

HER EYES

Walking out of the police station, my hand on Bentleys shoulder for comfort as I guide her towards the car. Opening her door for her, she turns back to me, and hugs me. One of her famous Bentley hugs, her feet lifted off the ground her arms wrapped around my head (yes, head) and her forehead against mine.

"Thank you Ellie."

"Don't thank me, you should be mad at me, I couldn't protect you the way I should've."

"You're the best big brother I could ever ask for, you haven't slept, eaten or stopped looking for me the whole time, and from the way you smell probably haven't showered either."

We both let out a little chuckle as I set her down in the seat. I wait and watch as she buckles her self in. I walk around the car towards my door. My hand on the handle, I take a deep breath thanking god she's okay.

After a few minutes of silent driving, I make a detour to her favourite smoothie place. It always makes her smile. I remember when she was younger maybe eight and we came here and this one gal that worked there at the time gave her a free smoothie and she asked to marry the employee.

"How does a Trop-A-Pop smoothie sound?"

"Really?" She asks excitedly. I'm worried she's in shock, hasn't processed what actually happened to her yet.

"Yeah of course, we can hit the bookstore too."

"Thank you thank you!" She praises and turns the radio on as she bounces in her seat. Maybe her coping mechanism is she just reverts to her safety things. Me, her favourites, I know she'll be clingy with Antonio and Sophie when we get home too.

Not wanting to ruin her excitement I let all thoughts of what happened go, letting her be the innocent child she deserves to be. Pulling into a parking space I get out and meet her at the front of the car. She reaches for my hand as we go into the smoothie shop.

With a couple customers in front of us Bentley takes the time to look around the place, almost as if reminding herself. She tugs on my sleeve, I look down to meet her eyes.

"She's pretty El." I follow her gaze to the most majestic woman I've ever laid eyes on. She can't be older than twenty one, a thick folder of loose pages open on one arm as she writes with the other while she stands in line.

Her auburn hair pulled up in a messy bun. A pen cap between her plump pink lips, freckles adorn her face, her eyes unknown as they're down casted. She wears jeans that hug her curvy figure nicely and a fluffy sweater appropriate for the fall weather.

When some loud laughing startles her out of her concentration, she drops the folder, pages going every which way. I lean down to help collect papers, and hand them to her. Music notes. Pages and pages filled with bars of music.

"Sorry you don't have to do that, it's my fault I dropped them."

I meet her gaze, her hazel eyes shine as they meet mine. She breathes out a thank you, frozen to the spot.

"Next!" The rude employee interrupts us and Bentley drags us to order. I order for the both of us and we go to the side to wait for our smoothies as I watch the woman order for herself and dig change out of her pocket to pay.

We get our smoothies and go home. I'll never see her again. I'm glad I got to see her in the first place I think to myself how blessed I am to have been able to even put my eyes on her.

———————

I take her delicate hand in mine, our feet stepping our bodies swaying to the slow music of the orchestra. Her eyes burn holes in my head, heart and soul. The gently hazel orbs fill me with pleasure and peace.

The fiery copper bits stand out in the dim lighting, making her eyes pop against her flowing auburn hair. My hands the on curve of her hips. I can feel the warmth of her skin through her dress, warming not only my hands but my heart.

———————

I open her door for her, she sits down, buckling up. Rounding the car I sit and stare at her. She giggles and looks away shyly, she loves the attention.

Starting the car, I pull out of the garage and head toward the flower market. It's our Saturday morning tradition now.

Frank Sinatra plays quietly on the radio station my hand lays on her knee, rubbing circles over the fabric of her uniform pants. I sigh knowing she has to go to work right after this.

Looking her way at a red light I smile and stare, as usual. Loving my entire life because this human is in it. She lightens my soul and carries my darkness as k do for her.

———————

Standing in front of the sink I wash dishes from Bentley and Sophie s' dinner. They insisted on having spaghetti and meatballs with all the fixings tonight. I keep the rest of the food on warm as I tuck the kids in.

I wait up for her until she gets home from work. I follow her upstairs, help her wash her face and change into pyjamas. I lead her back downstairs and to the kitchen. I fix us both bowls of spaghetti and walk to the couch. I make sure she's comfortable and settled before turning our favourite movie on, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Halfway through the movie after finishing her dinner, she fell asleep. I leave the movie on and her sleeping as I clean up our dishes and put the leftovers away. I tidy the living room before taking her up to bed.

I hold her tucked into my side, one arms under my head the other wrapped around her waist. This is true love isn't it? Being whole heartedly content with your person. It must be. I'm in love.

———————

I wake up with a jolt, the high pitch screaming doesn't stop, as I rush out of bed, the noises become overwhelming Bentleys screams and cries, Sophie is now awake crying and Antonio's door opens and slams, both our footsteps stomping.

"Bent Baby I'm coming!"