A Problem with Heights

Jessie let out a sigh of frustration that seemed to come from the bottom of her brown boots.  She had tried keeping her knees bent, but that hurt after a while.  She tried slouching like Woody did, but after a few minutes she had straightened up.  How her brother stood that way all the time astounded her as she stretched.  Still, she was at a loss over what to do and she sighed again.

“What’s wrong, Cowgirl?”

Jessie turned and saw Buzz looking quizzically at her.  She leaned forward until her front was pressed against his chest plate.  She threw her arms around his neck as he caught her by the waist.  Her long legs were stretched out well behind her and she was eye to eye with him.  “Don’tcha get tired of me being taller’n you all the time?”

Buzz looked amused as he gazed back at the doll, “Why would I mind that?  It’s just part of who you are; do you want me to mind something you can’t do anything about?”

Annoyed, she blew air through her lips.  “Buzz, I’m serious.”

“So am I.  Fine,” he grew serious, “No, Jessie, I don’t mind that you’re taller than me.  It helps me remember my place,” he grinned again.

“Har har,” she stuck out her tongue briefly.

His hands slid behind her waist, running along her sides in a comforting gesture.  He tried to hide his continued amusement at the peevish look on her face.  “Why is it bothering you, Jess?”

“Oh, I dunno.  The Potato Heads are the same size, and it’s jus’…I feel badly that I’m lookin’ down on ya all the time.  I just thought it’d be nice if we were the same height,” she told him the methods she tried,  “but nothin’s worked.  You can’t grow and I can’t exactly cut off my legs.”

“Seriously, Jessie?  I don’t ever feel like you’re looking down on me, even though you technically do.  I think you’re perfect, just the way you are, and I wouldn’t have you any other way.  However, I think I have an idea.  Come on.”  He stepped forward so she could straighten up.  Taking her hand, he led her to a cozy corner of the room.  He sat down, his legs extended out from his body; gently he pulled her so she was seated between them.  

Jessie looked at Buzz and smiled; when they were seated, they were the same height.  “I forgot about this,” she leaned her head against his.  “Good thing you’re so smart, Ranger.”

Buzz wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.  “Are you saying I’m not short on brains?”  He chuckled and kissed her temple as she groaned.

“Don’t press your luck, Space Boy, or I’ll start callin’ ya ‘Small Fry’.”  She grinned at him and planted a kiss on his lips; what was meant to be a quick peck turned into a deep and loving token of her affection and appreciation for him.   Sitting there, Jessie soon forgot all about her early irritation.  They might not have been made to be the same height, but all that mattered was that, somehow, they had been made for each other.