"From the Window" by Joy Rajan

            I leaned against the doorpost staring out the window. I sighed heavily wishing to be out and about. I ignored my sister as she went on and on about her fiancé. In all honesty I wish I was the one getting married. For years I struggled going on date with men trying to find the right guy so that my parents will be happy. There was just so much pressure even though I was the youngest. But no matter what I did it was never enough for my family. I was worried. I had fallen in love with women before but I never knew what to do. I dated a few girls but I never told my parents. I just felt so lost.

            I turned to look into the store and saw my sister standing in front of a mirror. She had her wedding dress on. It was off white and it hugged my sister’s body ever so slightly. I always admired her; she had a great sense of style and fashion. She knew how to dress in a way that was flattering. I on the other did not. She tried to get me to dress up, be neat and be stylish. To be honest, in all my twenty-five years she still has not given up. It makes me laugh. I was always the tomboy.

            I turned back to looking out the window. Despite me growing up, I could never give up this habit of mine of always watching people from a  window. I still tuned my sister out and that is when I saw her. I froze. Transfixed by her beauty. A police officer. Strong and tall with dark auburn hair tied up so perfectly, not a single strand out of place. Her uniform was spotless, neat and ironed. I could even sense her genteel personality from across the street. She glowed with such elegance and such perfection. Her skin was silky smooth. Then I saw her face and I saw her smiling at me. She waved. I waved back without thinking. I stopped myself. For a moment I thought I was drooling. I saw the officer waving at me again. I was confuse. I then heard my sister call my name. I felt something in my gut telling me to move away from the glass. I did. With a slight gesture of her hand I knew my sister wanted my opinion on the dress. I walked towards her.

            “It’s perfect!" I said clasping my hands. "I-" A loud bang went off. Followed by another. The glass shattered behind me and I fell to the floor and blacked out. All I remember were just flashes. I opened my eyes and saw a woman on top of me. I heard her voice calling my name. Then I heard Madonna signing..."I hear your voice...It's like an an angel sighing..." I felt myself passing out.

            “Ma’am medics are on their way. Hang it in there for me.” My eyes closed, I couldn’t help it. I felt dizzy, weak. She yelled at me not to close my eyes. I opened them and her face became clear. It was the same officer the one I saw across the street.  It then came to me. I could see that she was signally me to move away from the window and I did. But after the second bang I felt something pierce my skin and I looked and all I could see was red. I remember looking up and seeing my sister watching horrified.

            I opened my eyes again and saw the officer's face. "You're an angel." I heard myself say. Her face was stern and the colour had left her cheeks. But her eyes were kind and sincere. I could see the genuine fear in her eyes though she tried to hide it. I lost myself in those green eyes of hers. She was even more beautiful up close.  “Ma’am you are going to be fine. You’re doing good.” I placed my hand on face and smiled. I thanked her and saw two other people in uniform coming towards me.

            I watched confused as she let go of my hand the paramedics beside me. I could smell tuna.  I felt myself being lifted unto something. A stretcher? Yes that is what it is. I still felt her warm hand holding mine. I felt at peace, and though nothing made sense I felt safe. I saw two police officers talking. I forced myself to stay awake. I heard a male officer’s voice; “Ride with her” was all I managed to hear.  “Please.” I said. She turned to me, “I am right here Ma’am.” I saw her name “Williams.” I said. “You can call me Diane.” “Hi. You’re so beautiful.” I saw her blush. She smiled slightly. “Ok. Let’s get you to the hospital.”  “Why do I smell tuna?” “Lunch.” "I like tuna." I said. It was weird hearing my voice. It sounded so hollow. I turned to see a paramedics smiling at me. I didn't know why. I turned to see her face. It was glowing even brighter than before. I felt my eyes getting heavy again. I closed them.

            When I opened my eyes again. My head was pounding. I looked around and saw myself in what looked like a hospital room. I turned to see my parents and my sister waiting for me. And Officer Williams seated right beside me.

            “Great, you’re awake. It was good you listened to me. You’re going to be fine. Had you been any closer to the window it would have been worse.” “How long?” “Rest. I’ll be back.” “Don’t –“ “You’ll be fine Ma’am.” “My name’s Liz.” “Rest.” As she left I heard her say my name. My heart melted. 

            I spent the rest of the day watching the nurses going in an out about their day. I have always hated hospitals. Although I have to admit this hospital was much more entertaining. Please don’t hate me reader, but right now I am finding real life drama much better than Grey’s Anatomy. Never could get into that show. In any case, from where I am, there are better looking people here. I found myself smiling when I saw Officer Williams coming towards my room.

            “Hi.” “Hi Miss Watson.” “Liz, please.” I could see her hesitate. It then hit me that maybe she has a significant other. Or maybe she was straight I felt stupid.  “I’m sorry. Miss Watson is fine.” I could feel her body drop; it was though her whole body was sighing.  The awkwardness dissipated ever so slightly.

            “So what happened?” I asked breaking the silence. “Not right now. Right now you take it easy get better and if you can remember any details just write or draw, whichever you prefer. Those that are responsible are still out there.” “Okay. I was shot right?” She nodded. It hurt. I couldn’t describe the pain for it was like nothing I have ever felt before.

            "Liz take it easy. I mean Miss Watson." I smiled. She looked me and I saw something in her eyes. I blushed. She looked away but I could see her blush as well from the reflection on the mirror. "Are you feeling any better?" She asked collecting herself together. I shook my head. "Well the doctor said you are on the mend. You were lucky." "So what did happen?" "You were shot. There was a robbery across the street from you and you just happened to stand in the line of fire." "I see. It's slowly coming back to me. Did you need me to make a statement?" She nodded and smiled gently, "Yes, but only when you are ready."

            "Hey Sis! I got you water. O sorry didn't mean to interrupt." "It's okay. I'll come back. You take it easy Miss Watson." I watched her leave. My heart sank. My sister continued talking. About what you may ask, her wedding, need I say more.

            "O James picked the ugliest table cloth. I told him we have wedding planners let them design the tables but he keeps insisting on this one shade of purple that he thinks is beautiful." I zoned out and kept my gaze on Officer Williams. She turned to see me looking at her and I looked away. I panicked slightly. I looked again and she was looking at me with a smile on her face. I waved at her. She waved back. I saw her eyes light up when she saw me. Could it be? Did she feel something for me. Even just a little feeling?

            Before I knew it, I was dismissed for the hospital. I couldn't yet walk but I could still be there for my little sister's wedding even if it had to be in a wheelchair.

            "See I told you not to worry so much about your wedding. And James forgot all about that table cloth." She laughed. "Thank you!" I just winked at her.

            At first I was hesitant about being at her wedding and being in all the pictures but that all soon passed and I made sure I was in all the pictures. It felt like a long day. But a good one. To my surprise Officer Williams was at the wedding. I didn't realise she was there until the ceremony had ended. She looked so elegant in navy dress. And I wasn't surprised that her hair was up the same way. She wore simple but elegant diamond earrings with matching necklace. I didn't recognise her at first. I forgot where I was. She noticed me. She smiled. I felt like an idiot when she saw me. But something told me that she didn't mind that I was admiring her. If anything I had a strange feeling that we wanted me. She disappeared when the ceremony ended. And when it was all over my sister and I sat down after everyone had left.

            "I am so glad you made it through. I was so worried that you would not make it. I couldn't do this without you Sis." "You're fine." "So that police officer hey, Officer Williams?" "What about her?" "I saw the way you were looking at her the entire time at the hospital and at my wedding." "And?" I asked playing dumb hoping to avoid the conversation from continuing on. "Don't. I know you. Mum and Dad always wanted us to find out soul mates and settle down. I found mine. Maybe you should stop dreaming and wishing and ask her out?" "Date another woman?" "Yes. You've always liked girls since High School. And you weren't very discreet about it." She said laughing. "O! And She comes to visit you when you were sleeping at the hospital. Those tulips, not from me." "From her? How did she know that they were my favourite flower?" "I have no idea Liz."

            We kept talking. Well she kept talking, I just listened. Her husband came up to us and the two of them went on their way to their new home. I hugged them good by and waited for my parents to get me home.

            "Have you been waiting long?" I looked up to see Officer Williams coming up to me. "No. I just don't know where my parents went to." She smiled and sat with me. "So my sister invited you." "She did. I'm glad to see that you're doing well." "Thank you Officer -" "Diane please. I'm not on duty." I blushed. She placed her hand gently on my leg. I looked at her and smiled shyly. She leaned over and kissed me softly. I reached out to her hand and held it. "Thank you for the flowers. How did you know tulips were my favourite." "They are? I just saw them and they made me think of you." "Well thank you. And thank you for being there for me. My sister saw you. That was really kind of you." "You are most welcome Liz. Would you like to go out with me?" "I would love to," I replied with a slight smile. "Good," she said, "I guess your parents have abandoned you." I hesitated at first and said, "well I guess you'll have to drive me home." She laughed, "I'd be delighted!"  She jumped up and pushed me to her car. She helped me into the car.

           

            I could smell her. It was sweet but not like that of a flower but more a fruit. "Are you alright?" "You smell different." She smiled. "I see." "I don't smell tuna anymore. I smell strawberries." "O did you prefer tuna?" She asked with a mischievous grin. I laughed slightly. "Whatever you smell like is perfect." She blushed and helped me with my seatbelt. She placed my wheelchair in the back of her truck and drove me home.

            "Alright Liz, we're here. I'll help you out." "I can't thank you enough." "Don't. Just get better and take it easy. And -" "I look forward to going out with you." "Okay." She looked at me quite taken aback at my quick response. She tilted her head and said, "I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven." "Seven it is." She got out and got my wheelchair and helped me in. My dad opened the door and helped me in. "I am so sorry Honey. I thought your brother was going to come and get you. Thank you Miss -" "Diane." "I'm sorry for all the trouble." "No, no it is fine. Good night Liz." "Good night." I watched her leave and reluctantly closed the door.

            "What a nice young woman." My dad said as he slowly made his way to the kitchen. I followed him. "Dad?" "Yes Lizzy?" "I'm going out with Diane tomorrow." "O that's nice. You do need a friend and she seems like a lovely -" "On a date." She stopped and put the jug of milk down on the counter. My heart began to pound. My dad just smiled. "Okay. Just don't forget to tell your mom all the details about your date." He winked at me and I laughed.

            Sure enough my date with Diane went well. I never thought I could connect with someone so easily. Talking with her about anything just came so naturally to me. I didn't have to think differently to agree with her nor did I have to act differently. She told me how attracted she was to my awkwardness. I was so mesmerised by her that I became oblivious to the time. We had a lovely Italian dinner and she took me to the Jazz club were we could listen to live Jazz music.

            "I wasn't sure if you liked Jazz music." "I do. I just wish I could dance." She held my hand. "You will soon. And we can dance together." "Do you promise?" She nodded. She looked at her watch. "I have to take you home young lady." I laughed. "Please don't. I am having too much fun." I giggled like a school girl and Diane looked at me with a soft smile on her face. "Come on. Let's get you home. I promised your dad I'd get you home before eleven."

            With the greatest reluctance I obeyed and as I promised I told my mom every detail of our date. She was thrilled.

            "I am so happy for you." She said with the biggest grin on her face. I barely slept that night thinking about Diane and our first date. She messaged me later that evening to let me know she made it home safely and couldn't stop thinking about me. I messaged her back. "I couldn't stop thinking about you. I can't wait till I can get out of that blasted wheelchair and take you dancing!" She replied "LOL! You are such a dork! Good night Liz. Sleep well. I'll call you tomorrow" "Okay. Good night," I replied.

            Diane and I spent every weekend we could together. I admired her so much. She took the time out of busy schedule to contact me. Even if she couldn't see me she would text me while she was on patrol. I worried about her. She never stopped messaging me, every day for three months I heard from her even though we didn't see each other more than once a week. Suddenly, I stopped getting her messages. I messaged her every day. Two days passed and didn't hear from her. Two days became four, and then a week. I messaged her every day to see if she was okay. I tried to call, and fear gripped me each time it went to voicemail.

            I messaged her once again, "I haven't heard from you. Are you alright? I've been worried. I finally got rid of that blasted wheelchair."  No reply. I went down to the police station but they wouldn't tell me anything. Since I wasn't family or a spouse I was not privy to any information about her. Still after work I would sit in coffee lounge at the police station waiting. Every evening after work for a couple of weeks I sat there waiting.  One of the police officers came up to me.

            "Hi. You've been waiting for Office Williams haven't you?" I nodded. "You're Liz aren't you?" I nodded again unable to speak. "Diane doesn't stop talking about you. I'm not suppose to tell you anything. I can get in trouble, but just keep this between okay? Go home. I'll call you. All of us here are trying our best to find her. Go home." I nodded and he helped me up. "Thank you." "Brad." "Thank you Brad." I walked away. I got a text. I figured it was my dad, but it was Diane. "I'm glad you got rid of that wheelchair. But don't get rid of it, I might need it."

            I heard the phone ring in the police station when the Chief answered I saw the colour return to his pale face.

            "Officer Williams has been found! She has been admitted to County General!"                  

            Brad came up to me. "Come with me. I'm sure she will want to see you." I grabbed my wheelchair and followed Brad into his vehicle and we drove to the hospital.

            "What's with the wheelchair?" He asked. I just laughed and shook my head.  'You don't want to know." He smiled, "Okay, fair enough."

            We found her room and I placed to wheelchair by her bed. I saw her looking at me. She was bruised and had a couple of cuts on her beautiful face. I held her hand and saw tears in her eyes when she saw me. I overheard the doctor saying she will be fine though it will take a few months of physiotherapy before she can fully recover and walk again.

            "I was so worried about you." I said, my voice cracked as I spoke. "I'm sorry." She said softly. "It's okay," I said and kissed her hand,  "I'm just glad you are fine." "I see you brought that wheelchair." I nodded. "Good, 'cause I'll need it." We both laughed. "But not for long okay. You still owe me a dance." She looked at me and smiled. "You're mom said you couldn't dance." "Did she? Well I will let you be the judge of that." She laughed.  We continued to talk until she got too tired. I watched her as she slept and kissed her on her forehead. "Take it easy." I said softly. I saw her smile as she slept.

            For the next three weeks I came to visit her in the hospital as often as I could. She got better and better. The doctor told me that me being with her was motivating her. To his surprise she was responding to treatment faster then he had anticipated. He encouraged me to come as often as I could and to even come and help Diane with her physiotherapy. I did.

            "You don't have to keep coming Liz." "Don't you push me away Diane. I'm going to be right by your side. And if anything I think I am more stubborn than you are. Your physiotherapist told me you wouldn't stop and rest." "I can't. I have to keep the promise I made you." "What promise?" "To dance Liz." I laughed. "It's just a dance. Anyway my mum is right I can't dance." "Well maybe you just need the right dancing partner." I smiled. But something in her eyes made me stop. I saw something I hadn't seen before. A look. What was it?

            "Liz?" "Yes?" I asked. I felt my heart pounding in my chest. "I love you." I felt tears stream down my face. "I love you too Diane." I said kissing her hand. She wiped the tears from my eyes and I knew that what we felt for each other was real. All of this was all so new to me. When I realised that we were alone I held her in my arms and kissed her passionately. Her breath was warm and her lips locked in with mine felt incredible. I couldn't explain anything, all I could say to myself was, "I guess this is just love isn't?"