pretty brown eyes

"You keep telling me that your time is always taken. But I keep seeing you out alone."

Jordan always saw Daniella when she walked by. He saw what everyone saw. The long legs. The toned body. The dark hair. The brown eyes. The radiant smile. Her clothes, car, and accessories were all just as seemingly perfect as she was. Everything about her compelled you to look at her.

Jordan often looked at her and wondered. Wondered if women were jealous of her. Wanting her confidence or her boobs or her job. Wondered if men... No, he knew what men were thinking when they looked at her. After all, he often caught himself thinking the same thing.

But Jordan had worked side by side with Daniella for nearly two years. He knew that all was not perfect there. They work at a nonprofit that provides resources to terminally ill people. Jordan had often seen Daniella's strong facade splinter, even if only for a second. He had never seen her go on a date. And never heard her talk about any member of her family except a younger sister in college.

Yes, Jordan looked at Daniella and thought about all the things people saw. All the ways that made her perfect. He thought about all the things he saw. Her sacrifice, dedication, hope. All the things that made her beautiful.

But mostly he wondered what did she see when she looked in the mirror. And when would she stop for just a moment, just long enough to really look at herself and her life. Look to see how lonely she truly is.

you belong with me

"She wears high heels. I wear sneakers."

There was no way Maia could compete with her. Amanda wore eyeliner and mascara, she got manicures and pedicures, and she wore designer clothes. Maia had never considered indulging in personal beauty services. She only believed in bargain shopping. Her experience in make-up was minimal, and only consisted of people putting it on for her.

To be honest, Maia never wanted to be an Amanda type of girl. That is, until yesterday. She and Amanda were having lunch when a man walked in the cafe. Well to call him a man is really a disservice. He was an adonis, a god. Tall, dark, with these muscles and this smile.

He sat at the table next to them, and quickly turned to introduce himself. He spoke first to Maia, introducing himself as Lance, Maia's delight soon faded when he turned to speak to Amanda. The spark in his eyes changed. There was a light of intrigue and passion that wasn't there when he spoke to Maia.

As the two chatted, Maia began to think about her unshaped eyebrows, messy ponytail, sensible flats, even her unshaven legs beneath her pants. Before she got too emotional, Maia excused herself from the table, making up some excuse about needing to get back to work.

As she rode the elevator up to her office, she thought more about Amanda and herself. Maia had always been the sensible one. Amanda had always enjoyed the spotlight. Maia was captain of the debate team. Amanda was captain of the cheerleading squad. Maia attended Brown with an academic scholarship. Amanda went to Florida and partied.

These things had never bothered Maia. She had always found comfort in her practicality. But today she recognized something their mother had been telling then for as long as she could remember. That Amanda and Maia could stand to be a little more like the other. Maybe it was practical to care more about her looks if Maia ever wanted to get married. She hadn't even had a date in eight months.

Lance had liked Amanda. Her face was dolled up. Her hair was luxurious. Her perfume was alluring. These material things made a difference. After all, Maia and Amanda are identical twins.

touch

"I just want him to see another side of me."

Comfortable heels. Economy suit. Ponytail. No make-up. No cleavage. Felicia came to work everyday wearing the same thing. She sat quietly at her desk. She worked diligently. If asked to describe her, Felicia's coworkers would say she was intelligent, dependable, and a hard worker. And that used to be enough.

Then came the new suit in the office. Lawrence Soman. He was the new Vice President of Government Affairs. Felicia found him exciting; his charisma and ambition were mesmerizing. But he barely ever noticed her despite the fact that she reported directly to him.

Her opportunity arose. Soman's secretary planned the annual staff party at a local lounge instead of the office. All week long Felicia heard the other female employees buzzing about what they would wear. And she was no exception. Her mind was preoccupied on how to catch the eye of Soman.

Stilettos. Pencil skirt with a thigh high split. Fuschia top. Hair down. Make-up on. Felicia appeared at the staff party in her best effort. She was personable, had a few drinks, chatted with all her colleagues. Everyone seemed genuinely surprised and pleased with this temporary transformation.

Then her moment came. Felicia was sitting in the only comfortable chair in the lounge, resting her weary feet. Soman came over and began to chat her up. She quickly realized that he didn't recognize her, and attempted to remind him who she was. Soman was obviously embarrassed, fumbled through some words, and walked away.

Monday morning Felicia came to work in her usual attire. She sat in her office and did her work. Suddenly Soman enter. He quickly apologizes about the staff party. He honestly didn't recognize her with the flashy outfit and full make-up. When Felicia indicated she was trying to look pretty for the vent, Soman laughed. He informed her that she looked beautiful everyday just the way she was. There was no need to do more.

As he walked out the door, he left Felicia with her mouth gaping open and a lot to think about.