Radiant. That’s the only word I can think to describe her; even as she sleeps, her pale face seems to shine with some heavenly glow, made more pronounced by the golden curls that softly outline her features. Her blue eyes are closed in peaceful slumber, but her rich, dark lashes flutter now and then, as if she might wake any moment. Her perfect pink mouth is parted slightly, but I can make out the curve of her wonderful smile on each corner—perhaps she’s dreaming of me.

I remember the first time I saw that smile, a memory that, while only a few weeks past, seems both as if it happened yesterday and stretches back a hundred years. A casual pedestrian, stopping to smoke outside the little mini-mart she works at, who happened to catch a glimpse of this angel as she was leaving for the night. We only locked eyes for a moment, but I saw in that gaze her true feelings, her desire for me. I lightly brushed her arm as she passed; she turned and gave me that coy smile that I’ve fallen so hard for. The beginning of our relationship; love at first sight, I guess you’d call it.

I’ve no idea what such a goddess sees in me—I’m nowhere near her level, not worthy to kneel at her feet, kiss her cute, polished toes. She could have any man she wanted—I’ve seen the way the pathetic adolescents ogle her at work, their desperate attempts to catch her attention as she walks across campus. And yet, with all this attention, she’s invited me into her life, to partake of this bliss, of her soft, silky skin and delicate curves, barely concealed by the tiny see-through thing she’s wearing. I wish I could hide this beautiful body from all those prying eyes; I must admit, some of those young fools make me quite jealous…But I try to stay secure in the fact that she loves me, is saving herself for me…

We’ve yet to consummate our relationship, but it won’t be too much longer now. I’ve planned every minute detail in my head, rehearsed my words and actions, imagined her responses, her virginal blush and feigned reluctance, before she succumbs to the pure pleasure I’ll provide her. My apartment’s all ready, with roses and candles, all the shit girls love. She’ll be so thrilled…

A yellow tress falls into her face. I gently brush it away; she murmurs something and snuggles deeper into her pillow. My poor baby, she must be so exhausted; her schedule is far too hectic for her to handle: class all day, work most of the night. Sometimes, the manager even makes her stay all alone, close the store by herself—on those nights, I sit in my car and watch her for hours, to make sure nothing bad happens. I’ve also made a habit of following her home afterwards, to make sure she isn’t compromised or careless in her weary state, like a good partner should.

I know I should wait to wake her, but I’m far too excited; I long to take her away from all this, her worries and cares, her miserable job, this run-down apartment—it’s far too unsafe for my baby. I mean, if you jiggle the doorknob just the right way and apply enough force, you can easily open the door, even when locked. Honestly…any pervert off the street could just walk right in…

I lean down, place a kiss on her forehead. She vaguely stirs; I rub her back soothingly. Her eyes fly open at the unexpected touch.

“Good morning, my angel,” I whisper with a smile; she sits up, looking around to make sure it’s not a dream.

“I hope you don’t mind that I let myself in, but I just had to see you again, darling…”

Her pretty pink mouth opens wide in shock; she looks so adorable when she’s scared. She continues to stare at me like this, too ecstatic for words. I take her into my arms, cradling her close to my chest.

“I’m gonna take you to my place, okay, baby? I know you’ll love it there, and we can finally be together…”

She starts to struggle, fully awake now, but I hold her tight; my little girl can be so stubborn, and doesn’t always know what’s best for her. That’s okay, though; I’m much stronger, and her cute attempts only arouse me more. I know she’ll understand, once we get home.

I place a gentle hand over her mouth and nose, a hand that contains a small handkerchief…She begins to relax…

“That’s right, baby, breathe deep. It’ll make you feel better. I’ll wake you up when we get home.”

Her eyelids weakly close again, and I place the handkerchief back into my pocket as I carry my darling out of the room and down the back stairs, like a fairytale knight valiantly carrying his rescued princess off into the sunset.