The Lady of Swans

I sat on my wooden front porch staring at my dull,tedious front gardens. The sun sadly gloomed on my Ma’s sunflowers. It was ever so depressing in my village. Everyone in my neighbourhood , I casted my eyes at, looked very average and predictable as if they were in a rehearsed play. My Pa stated many times they were all exaggerating. This was because he used to be in the army so he experienced many harsh, vague weather compared to Eastern England at the end of winter.

As I was silently prejuiding everyone who walked past my house, an actual goddess strolled past my house. As she walked by, her pleasant vanilla scent filled the atmosphere. My eyes glued to her body’s every movement immediately. From the way she swayed her slim hips in her short, floral dress, to the way her long dark curly hair complemented her dark complexion. Her name was Vanessa-Marie and she went to my school. She was just simply extraordinary. Many men and boys I believed lusted over her. However, I truly own the heart for her.

As Vanessa reached the towerous oak tree 4 houses ahead, that was when I decided this is going to be the fine day I will approach her.

With courage I jogged up to her even though I was heavily sweating underneath my shirt. As I followed her closely behind, Vanessa-Marie began giggling under her breath which made me quite confused. Then, a small laughter escaped her lips before she began to speak.

“Benjiman! If you are going to follow me, at least attempt to lightly walk.” Vanessa-Marie stated while laughing before she turned to look at me. Although she didn’t stop walking.

“I- how did you suspect it was me following you?” I asked, rather curious.

“You follow me all the time so I must confess your footsteps are quite recongisable.” She added.

An awkward chuckle exited my lips.

Vanessa-Marie remembered my footsteps? My footsteps?

Eventually, I came out my thoughts and realised she was quite far ahead so I ran to her.

“Vanessa-Marie, How is your day today?” I asked her, mesmerised by her side profile.

“The day just started, Benjamin!”

My heart suddenly stopped. The way she said my own name by each syllable which sounded like melodies to my ear.

“Uh, well look at how fine it is today!” I expressed by waving my arms up in the air.

Vanessa grinned.

“Fine? It is quite foggy.” She informed me.

“Well who said fog isn’t a fine weather?” I responded.

She chuckled once again. Then, Vanessa turned her face to look at me.

Her warm chestnut coloured eyes met my dark aqua eyes.

“I do fancy the fog.”, “But you know what else I fancy Benjamin?"

Vanessa-Marie questioned me.

“What is it Vanessa, please do tell me.” I begged.

When she opened her mouth a tall,skinny, fair,blonde young boy named Micheal approached us with a basket in his hand. Vanessa’s attention shifted to him which greatly annoyed me.

“Here is your bread Miss and the swans are arriving any second.” Micheal declared in a rush as he handed the loaf of bread to Vanessa-Marie.

A bright grin lit on her face.

“May the Lord bless you Micheal.” Vanessa thanked him.

“Well I believe I can only be blessed with your kiss Miss.” He announced.

His statement caused me to be very irritated.

Meanwhile Vanessa laughed out loud, a little shocked by Micheal’s boldness,then pulled his face closer and gave him a quick, polite kiss on the cheek. His blonde eyebrows lit with joy then he merrily ran away.

Her attention returned to me bringing back my satisfaction.

“Benjiman, sit with me on the grass and watch the swans with me.” She commanded, excited.

Vanessa-Marie always loved swans since she was little. When she migrated to England from Eastern Africa, swans attracted her eyes immediately which may have caused an obsession for I must say she does look like an innocent creature herself.

I sat with her near the pond to watch the swans. At their arrival, they all came in a bevy. Vanessa-Marie instantly picked up chunks of bread in her hands and threw it for the swans to eat. I watched the swans for a few seconds however I got tempted to gaze back at her silently watching her mesmerising arms move.

“Benjiman, look at that swan couple over there!” Vanessa ordered.

“One wants to come but the other refuses so they just both remain together. How fascinating!” She exclaimed.

“That.. that is amazing.”I replied even though I was staring at her graceful long legs.

“Benjiman, you aren’t even looking at the swans!” Vanessa groaned.

I then looked at the dull pond and forced myself to watch the damn floating birds with no interest.

After a few minutes, I then put my full view at Vanessa-Marie’s face and gently caressed her arms.

“Vanessa, how on Earth am I supposed to focus on these animals when you an exotic princess is right next to me.” I protested, frustrated.

After my sentence, she glared at me bitterly.

Then, she faced the ponds. One by one my heart cracked in realization. Vanessa didn't inform me to leave and she also didn't tell me to stay. So I remained ideally admiring her gracefully feeding the swans.