1 Prologue (First Meeting)

~NILMANI P.O.V (11 YEARS AGO)~

When I was born, I was told that each member of our family was special and unique. Why do I suddenly say that out of the blue? Let's put it this way, all of us inherit crystal blue eyes that were passed down from generation to generation. Yes, you heard correctly, crystal blue eyes.

Of course, me being young and totally insecure about myself, I was always self-conscious about my own eyes every single day, all of my friends have chocolate brown, misty grey, or beautiful mysterious black eyes.

I felt like...I didn't fit in school or society and was even bullied countless times just because I have the rarest set of eyes in school, which was ridiculous when you think about it.

One night by accident my mom caught me crying in the shower. It was my first time telling her about the situation I'm facing at school. She listened to all my problems that night and then gently stroked my cheek, what she told me was something I never thought I needed to hear.

"Your eyes are beautiful Mani but out of everyone in our family, you have the most precious eyes ever. Each time I looked at them, especially in the sunlight I could even see a streak of silver with a blush of lavender," She pinches my cheeks lightly chuckling at my shocked expression.

"If they bully you, don't hesitate to come to me or always remember what I said about your eyes. They are just jealous because you're special," She told me.

"I also was bullied when I was younger but that didn't stop me from reaching my goals," I nod at her words. That same night I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to, I was thinking back at what my mother told me before going to bed.

"Let me tell you a story about two lovers who have this rare desire to be together. The guy has mystic blue eyes while his lover has beautiful grey eyes that would melt his heart but although they loved each other dearly, both came from two different worlds. They would always write letters to each other when they were apart and at night without even realizing it, their eyes would be looking at the stars wondering when they would see each other again."

"You see Mani it doesn't matter what color they represent: Blue or Grey they were destined for each other. They fit each other's personalities perfectly. They are different colors, yes but when brought together both colors create something beautiful."

I didn't know if what mom said was accurate about the story but for some reason, I chose to believe in some fairy tale for once.

*******************************

It was still December but the best thing about it was that this was the last day. I have never been a fan of the cold or the snow. I was told it might be because I was born in the summer or something like that, I never listen when my family is explaining certain information to me. I tend to blank out or nod when asked if I understand.

"Nilmani please hurry and get ready, we're leaving in five minutes!" Mom yelled, so I did what I was told and quickly gathered my stuff. Rushing downstairs it was still early around 9 am in the morning, and that's when I saw dad in his attire getting ready for work.

If you are wondering, he's a doctor just like mom but in a different field, so basically everyone in my family is a doctor, which was the weirdest thing. Why do they need to have the same sort of profession?

"Mani let's hurry before your mom blows a fuse, she's always cranky in the morning," He said while ruffling my hair before grabbing his car keys.

Each time 30 mins passed I would interrupt mom wondering when we were going to reach our destination. She would ignore me, give me food, or tell me to count how many blue cars I saw passing by.

I'm a hyperactive kid. I can't help but annoy the living hell out of her. It's what boys do after all.

Finally, we pulled over at a tall building. I was told earlier that we are meeting one of her childhood friends in something called a condo. Honestly, I didn't want to come with my mom for one reason: she's always on a talking marathon when meeting up with someone she knows.

I only choose to come because her friend also has a son I could interact with, in the meantime.

"Jessi so glad you made it here safely," The lady cheerfully greets us with warm hugs.

"This must be Nilmani, I remember the first time I saw him, he was still a baby." She joyfully pinches my cheeks welcoming us inside.

My eyes sparked up by how huge this condo was, it looked very fancy. "Hey, there you must be Aunty Jessi's son." A girl with long dark brown hair, and golden brown eyes, dressed in shorts, and an oversize pink sweater who looked to be older greeted me with a handshake.

"I'm Nilmani but you can call me Mani."

"Emerald but just call me Emmy. Also, I'm the older sister to Micah." She told me but I was already bored being here.

"My brother is in the library although he can be a bit shy around strangers, your Aunty Jessi's son so he might relax a little," Emmy informed me then decided to escort me upstairs towards the library. We exchange conversations here and there, she was even fascinated that my parents are famous doctors here in Canada.

She told me that she and her family are staying in Canada just for Christmas and then will be back in France for the New Year. Although they lived in France they speak English really well because their mom was born here, so it makes sense.

"Here we are, please remember, he's shy on the outside but cold on the inside." She giggled, skipping away.

Breathing out a huge amount of air I was holding in, I pushed the doors stepping into a very large library filled with books and more books that are starting to give me a headache. Strolling around while beginning to captivate myself, by how this boy just loves books although most of these are really good while some just put you to sleep the moment you open them.

I was gonna walk further down but stopped when I noticed a small boy sleeping with a book in his hands. Slowly inching closer, I sat on one of the empty chairs trying my best not to wake him. So this sleepy beauty is Micah, his hair was a dark chocolate type of brown that was dipped unto his sleeping eyes.

Not wanting him to see me staring like a freak when he woke up, I got up to see if anything around here spiked my interest.

*****************************

I spent a good hour and a half here reading a book, that's about the wonders of space.

"I see you like that book." Startled that I almost fell off the chair, I turned around seeing majesty was finally awake. "You must be Nilmani right?"

"Yes and you are Micah?"

"Precisely." For a kid, he engages in this conversation as if he's grown. "Your age?"

He straightens himself a little bit. "Eight years old and you?" Putting the book aside I got up then walked to sit back where I was earlier. "Nine, I'm one year older so you should respect your elders."

He tilted his head like a cute puppy and then chuckled.

"Ok, grandpa." After having a somewhat good conversation with him, I noticed something interesting.

"How are your eyes so grey? They looked lifeless." He glanced at me so I could see his eyes clearly. They are indeed grey but I've never seen that kind of grey before.

"How is it that your eyes are blue, crystal blue they looked to be? It's my first time seeing that kind of blue." He told me looking amused.

"They looked enchanted," I Didn't say anything after that because it was weird hearing that from a boy, if it was his sister that would make me feel more like a man.

After that, we went downstairs to eat dinner. It was getting really late but I can guess mom is planning on seeing the new year's fireworks with Aunty Lily. As time flew by, I learned a little more about Micah and Emmy while they learned a little more about me.

"Hey I know we just met but I want you to have this since you are leaving plus I hope we can meet again in the near future." I gave him a Christmas gift that I picked out myself at a store we stopped at before reaching here. It wasn't anything fancy or cheap, it was a silver ring that had a blue streak in the middle.

Mom said to at least treat our new friends with a small gift because it's Christmas.

"Wow thanks, it's too big for my fingers so in the meantime I'll attach a chain and wear it." He shyly says. This kid is so shy, just in time for the countdown to reach one then fireworks lit up the night sky along with more unbearable snow.

"Happy New Year Nilmani"

"Happy New Year Micah," I smiled brightly.