H E R

Chapter 1

Honestly the moment i laid my eyes on Paisley Henley i knew she was the love of my life. Sure the fact that she looked like she was an adorable little pixie helped, with her chubby cheeks and the freckles brushed across her button nose perfectly. I fell in love with Paisley because she told me she loved me, i know it was not serious she didn't know me she couldn't possibly love me. But hearing her say that, she said it like she meant it too, holding one of hands in both of hers in a tight excited grip she was shaking a bit. She was nervous, i was too. The grin on her face when she said those words was stunning 'i love you y'know that?' she said it so casually that i believed her, for a lot longer than just one moment. i was too stunned to say anything my cheeks burning and my breath coming out in pants. When she was turning away though in panic i returned the words 'i love you too sweetheart...' i muttered back. She went red, i still remember. Not expecting me to tell her that, she stumbles away to her friend who looks shocked.

That was the first time i saw her, that was almost 2 years ago now. Still i have not spoken to her, content with watching from afar. Protecting but not interfering. That will not last much longer she will be turning 17 soon, maybe then i'll be ready.

Paisley was a sweet girl and i couldn't help but find myself absolutely enamoured with everything she does. From the way she bounces when she's excited to the way her hands shake when she can't stop crying. I have been there for Paisley even when she doesn't know it leaving flowers at her door when her father left, and anonymously donating to her school so they could afford the New York trip she was so excited to go on.

Watching her over the years has slowly become my guilty pleasure, it makes me feel calm when it's just me and Paisley.

Every Sunday she goes to Belmont park to read under a huge willow tree near a pond. That is the best time for me to be alone with Paisley, i sit on a bench about 15 feet away and just watch her sometimes snapping pictures.

I was close enough that i could see her uninterrupted and i could still hear her giggling to herself when the book said something funny.

Next week was her birthday finally. I know she was really excited but i knew i was more. the first time i saw her she was 15 in her sweet little skirt and thigh high socks, i was 19 almost 20 at the time standing outside the beer store trying to get up the nerve to buy a few 6 packs with a fake i.d. Since that moment i knew i wanted her to be mine.

I was going to marry this girl.

after a few hours of her sitting under the tree it is almost dinner and she stands up and brushes the dirt off her dress and starts walking home. I of course try and subtly follow her i parked my car a street over from her house anyways.

I don't understand how i could possibly love every single detail about a girl even down to the skip in her step when she walks. The walk to her house is too short only 5 minutes before she's hoping up her steps and swinging her door open with a call for her mother that she's home. I let out a sigh and keep walking to my car knowing that my time watching Paisley was over for today.

until tomorrow at 7:45 when i wait for her to walk to school.

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Late at night i find myself thinking of Paisley again just like i always do. i get out of bed finally admitting i wont be able to go to sleep. Getting in my car i drive the long drive back to the outskirts of the city where she lives, i park in a small parking lot about a block away and get out walking to her house. I sneak behind her house and see the big tree i can use to climb into her window. Sneaking into her house was difficult the first time but after time it got easier, now it's practically a piece of cake.

All i did was put a rock in the bottom of her window, it looks closed and her lock feels like it still works. I take my shoes off when before i get in the window so i am silent jumping in. She has carpet in her room though so i wasn't too worried about creaking or anything.

Looking around her room i see her laying deep asleep in her bed. I leave my shoes by the window and slowly creep over to Paisley who is passed out on her bed. I pull back her blanket and sheets and slip into the bed with her, this is ballsy i've done it before but not in a long time.

After laying there for a while she turns and throws her arm around me pulling herself into me. I grin uncontrollably and subtly try and move her even closer to me. Snuggling with her i finally feel at peace, the exhaustion hits but i know better than falling asleep. Too reckless.

I don't stay too long, getting up and climbing down, but not before a sweet kiss on her forehead and a silent promise to meet her soon.

I park my cat directly across from her house and sleep in the passenger seat. Waiting for tomorrow so i can see her awake.