Daymares and Nightdreams

I sat at my desk and listened to the teacher drone on about the complex and seemingly unimportant details of Algebra. His voice began to sound like background noise. After what felt like a lifetime, the bell finally rang and we all quickly made our way to the cafeteria for lunch.

As I made my way down the line, I received scoops of food as they were dumped unceremoniously onto my plate. Just as I went to grab myself a carton of milk, I heard a voice call out from behind me,

“Hey beautiful, can you grab one for me, too?”

I froze.

My heart beat so fast, I was actually worried that it might explode.

I knew that voice, like I knew the pages of my favorite book, like I knew the letters in the alphabet. I knew that voice like I knew the face that went with it; every detail I’d memorized like a map, knew it far better than I’d ever known my own heart.

Those deep green eyes were doorways into the depths of an evergreen forest, peaceful and breathtaking.

But ‘why?’ was the question playing over and over in my head. “Why was this voice speaking to me?” He’d never spoken to me before, let alone acknowledged my existence.

With tray in hand, I slowly spun around to face the voice’s owner.

When I turned and saw that beautiful face, my breath caught in my throat. I was going to answer him but I thought that if I tried, I might choke on my own lungs instead. His breathtaking eyes were staring straight into mine, but then I noticed that they looked confused.

With overwhelming embarrassment, I realized that his eyes were now occupying the space next to me. Until this very moment, I hadn't been aware of the girl standing directly to my left.

Just then, she bustled past me and without noticing, bumped my tray and knocked it right out of my hands.

I just stood there, unmoving. I didn't so much as flinch as my tray slipped from my fingers and onto the floor.

My eyes continued to follow her as she set the carton of milk onto his tray. Then as I watched, she placed a quick kiss on his perfect lips. She smiled at him and his returning smile was so stunning that it made my head spin. She then took his arm and began to lead him away towards the lunch tables.

To intensify the already heavy blow, just then he turned his head back to see me standing in the mess of what once was my lunch, his eyes filled with worry. I imagined my eyes staring back at him still full of shock and embarrassment.

He, apparently concerned with her reaction at finding him looking at me, quickly turned his dazzling gaze away for the last time.

I felt my fragile heart break and then begin to sink to depths previously unexplored...

* * * * * * * * * *

That night, as I tried to drift off into unconsciousness, I worried that the horrific events of the day would revisit me in my sleep. But instead I was visited by something very different…

I was running through a forest, feeling like I was flying, the trees rushing past me. I looked back and saw a marvelous castle disappearing into the hills behind me. The air was warm, the sky a bright blue. Overwhelmed with happiness and excitement, I felt so free.

Suddenly I came upon an abrupt break in the trees where a beautiful stream lay. I nearly fell in headfirst, but luckily I caught myself and stopped just inches from the water’s edge.

I decided to get drink of water, but just as I bent down to take a sip, I heard the trees rustle behind me. I stood and quickly spun around to look.

“Who’s there?” I called out.

As I watched, a silhouette appeared out of the shadows. At first I was afraid, but then he came into the light and the sun lit up his face and I saw his peaceful smile, and I felt safe. Somehow I knew he wasn't going to hurt me.

That didn't stop me from being surprised though, as soon as I saw his tall and handsome features, I froze; stunned by his beauty.

He was slowly making his way towards me. Cautiously, as though he was afraid I was going to run away at any moment, like a frightened fawn.

The smile on his face was genuine and inviting, it made my heart flutter uncontrollably.

His eyes seemed to sparkle with curiosity and delight. They pierced through me, I felt as though he was looking straight into my heart.

I was still frozen in place; he stopped just a few feet in front of me, and held out his hand.

Still bewildered by his sudden appearance and his graceful charm; I just stared at his hand in confusion and marveled at his flawless skin.

Realizing I wasn't going to move, he reached for my hand instead.

Before I could do anything to react, he placed a soft kiss on the skin of the back of my hand.

He looked even deeper into my eyes and spoke with a voice like silk.

“Are you the princess?” he said with a smile that melted my heart.

I felt myself nod. Apparently, whoever I was at the moment, was a princess.

“I am a prince,” he continued. “I have come a long way looking for you. I went to your kingdom but you were nowhere to be found. Your servant told me where to find you; she thought you might be in these woods.”

“But why have you come for me?” I said in disbelief, still gazing into his beautiful eyes.

“I have heard stories that told of a beautiful princess who lives in these lands. I came to see if they were true. I know now that they were.”

I awoke in a state of blissful happiness, lovely visions of a handsome prince still swimming through my mind.

I didn't have to worry anymore; because I knew that one day my noble prince would come for me.

Written by Ariana (wolfwhisperer23)

Date Written: 10-18-13