I love the sky. I love the sun. I love the clouds. I love the moon. I love the stars. I love everything above the heavens.

Lying on the grass filled with flowers, I stare astonishing above. Morning wind of December is so cold here in Philippines. The light is very vibrant and it is reflecting to the thick clouds like a spotlight.

I close my eyes and smile genuinely. Everything is so beautiful. So perfect. I hope, everyday is always like this.

"Look who's here." I hear Mom's voice and I open my eyes that instant.

"It's me, Mommy!" I say and give her a cheeky smile. My Mom sits beside me as I stay lying on the ground.

"You seem so peaceful, child?" She questions, stroking my hair.

"Mm. I love the sky." I reply and gaze upon the clouds.

"Your father and I loves the sky, as well." Says Mom. "That's why we named you after the sky."

"Oh, I see." I nod to her. Shanaiah Khylin Wallace. My Mom and Dad calls me Skhy.

"Such a lovely day." I look at Mom. Her eyes are passionately looking above. I reach her hand and hold it tight.

"You're so happy, Mom." I tell her.

She grins warmly, "Yes, I am indeed."

"Mind to tell me the reason, Mom?"

"I won't mind, Skhy." She answers, "It's because, you're going to have a sibling."

My face brightens to my Mom's announcement. "R-Really?!"

She nods while smiling and brushing my hair. I abruptly sit next to her. "Does Dad know that you're pregnant?" I ask, grinning happily. Excited also. I have always been wanting a little sister, or a little brother.

"Sadly, not yet, Skhy." Mom says and I pout. "But do not tell your father."

I frown to her, "Why not, Mom?"

"Tomorrow, it is Garrick and I Wedding Anniversary." She states, "And I will tell him tomorrow as my surprise gift."

"Ah. I see." I grin and nod my head. "Probably, Dad will be surprised, because I'm going to have a sibling."

"Right, my dear."

I smile sheepishly and lay my head to her lap. "I'm so excited, Mom. I hope nine months will be fast."

"I do too, love." She replies. "And yes, by the way, Skhy." And calls me. "Since it is our anniversary tomorrow, your Dad and I have plans for it. Actually, we will visit a special place."

"So, I will be alone for tomorrow?"

"I am sorry to say, lass, but you will."

My face muffles and wails in low voice. "Mommy! I don't wanna."

"Oh, dear. Please spare us only for one day." She pleads, caressing my head.

I sigh as a sign of understanding, "Okay, then. But where will I stay?"

"Your father have a good friend, he is Niel Twain."

"Niel Twain?"

"Yes, child. We already talked to them and they agreed with it." She tells me, "And you will meet their children–Nate and Nat–you can make them your friends."

"Nate and Nat?" I repeat. "Are they somewhat twins?"

"Oh, yes. And they also has an older brother."

"Okay." I answer, "And Mom, what if they will not like my looks?"

"What's wrong with your face?"

"Mom, can't you see? I am ugly. My nose is not that pointed, my brows are so thick, my skin is so white and I look like anaemic one, my eyes are so big. I am so short. My blonde hair is not that bad, though, but everyone says that I look so weird."

"So what?" My Mom chuckles, "What's so wrong about your appearances? You do not like that, Skhy? You're an unique person."

"Mom, I don't take that as a compliment." I gruffly say. "It's actually degradable and I sometimes think that I'm not even your child. I mean, look at you with Dad, both of you has good-lookings."

"Well, as for that," she says continuing caressing my hair, "you know butterflies, Skhy?"

"Yes, I love them too. They are beautiful."

"Right. Butterflies did not simply create as beautiful as you thought. They actually start from being a caterpillar. Once the time has come, they will be a cocoon. And at the final stage, they will evolve as butterflies with their colorful wings, flying around in the middle of paradise filled with flowers."

I stare at her as though I remain astound with her explanation.

Butterflies. How lovely.

Ξ ✿ Ξ

"It's because she's ugly." The girl name Hime says in rugged manner. After she says that, Hime puts her chin up and leaves with her book.

"I apologize with my daughter's attitude, Shanaiah." Mister Twain asks a dispense.

"It's okay, Mister Twain." I respond politely, "I do not mind."

"And yes, young lady." He speaks, "I'll call Nathan, I'm sure he will like you as his friend." And he smiles warmly.

I nod to him as I sigh mentally. This what I've told Mom yesterday.

Mister Twain brings me to their alfresco, and the view here is so great. Everything is green with the trees standing firm for so many years. It is my first time here, here in the place of Twain's heritage.

We walk even more and from afar, and then I sight a boy sitting on a certain branch of a tree.

"Nathan." Mister Twain calls and he instantly looks to our direction. "Come here, son."

"Yes, Dad!" He replies and hurriedly jumps off of the tree.

When he reaches us, he is smiling casually. I can see no lies.

"Nate, remember what I told you yesterday? That we will be a having a guest, and here she is." Mister Twain states, "I will leave Shanaiah to your care, Nate."

"Aye, Dad!" He answers, "I'll take care of her."

I gaze at Mister Twain, he gives me a 'go-on' smile, while I give him a confusing look with bit shame, of course. But without words, Nathan takes my hand and drags me.

He holds my hand while running. My suddenly heart doesn't recognize the unknown sensation I can feel right now. Why it is beating so fast? What's this? I place my free hand to my heart.

What's the matter?

"Come. I'll tour you around, Shan."

"Sh-Shan?" I say bemusingly and we halt for a moment.

"Yes. Shanaiah is too long to pronounce." His response while grinning. "So, come on." And then, he starts running along with me.

And then he stops in front of a tree where he was sitting a while ago. I stare at him, baffingly. And he just returns the stare. I almost face palm, but I ask him, "What are we going to do?"

"Apparently, I'm waiting for you to climb to the tree." He answers back, "Y'know, ladies first."

"I thought, you are supposedly going to tour me around?"

"Yah." He returns nonchalantly.

"So, tour me around." I shrug.

"In the middle of forest?" He questions sarcastically.

My mouth shuts. Right, what are we going to do in this forest? Uh, I don't know, but he's right. So, should I go back in the mansion? That's a great idea. You're a genius, Skhy.

I turn around and start to walk.

"Wait, Shan!" He calls and holds my arm, "Where are you going?"

"Going back to the manor." I retort boringly.

"Aww, you have no fun." He complains and grabs my shoulders, then makes me face the tree again. "I just want you to show you the view up the tree, and I'm going to present you something pretty."

"What?"

"Just climb, Shan."

"Wait," I stop him, "I will tell you honestly, as a matter of fact, I got curious about the things you want to show me. But the problem is, I don't know how to climb."

He grimaces, "Are you for real, Shan?"

I nod one time. "Perfectly."

"You are a Wallace, right?" He inquires.

"Yes, why?"

"Your parents are both great assassi–holy crap! I forgot!" He exclaims and slaps his mouth with his palms.

"Forgot what?"

He laughs nervously, "N-Nothing!" and answers while waving his hands airily.

I just give him a small smile. He's kinda weird, though. "And, yes, Nathan." I slightly bow my head for calling him Nathan.

"Nate will do, Shan. And what it is?"

"Well, uh, are you not, hmm . . . kinda bothered with," I gulp, bowing my head shyly. "with . . . my, my . . . looks?" I ask honestly. "I-I mean, I am ugly, right?" I push my glasses with my fingers. My sights are perfectly fine, but I decide to wear this, at least to lessen my wretched looks.

"Ugly?" He utters confusingly, "I believe, that word does not exists. And you're cute, Shan." He says to me with a real smile.

My eyes are widen a bit. He . . . He accepts me for who I am. I feel my face stretches into a big smile.

"Now, come on! Hurry up, Shan."

"Fine." I chuckle, "I'll try to climb."

"Sure, I'll guide you then, Shan. And I will catch you if you fall."

I stare at Nate.

I don't know why, seems like the time pauses and the world stops spinning, but my whole attention diverts to his smile.

I have no idea, but he just stole my world, even just for a minute.

•🌸•

You can read more of Skhy's background if you are going to read my first book: The Identity of the Sinful Miracle.

Please support that book as well, even my other stories. Thank you and God bless you all. 💕

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