Without My Colored Glass Wings

Daetes' Legacy

Chapter 2- Daetes' Legacy

Nanny and Melo walked through the neighborhood. Melo noticed the cobblestone pavement with moss growing on the street sides. Nanny reminded him to be careful not to step on the moss 'cause it gets slippery and he might fall on his knees. He could also see people walking their pet dogs, kids of his age laughing and running in a group probably off to the same school he was enrolled with. Couples holding hands while walking with their matching t-shirts. Mr. Jenkins, scolding children playing with his morning newspaper. The neighborhood seemed peaceful and calm, of course except for Mr. Jenkins whom Nanny described as Grumpy from the seven little dwarfs.

Juende was a small town near Dychophalm city. Nanny told stories about Dychopalm and Juende as they walked to school and from what Melo understood, Dychophalm was the heart of technological advancement. They had voice activated cars which his father owned one and holographic billboards. Skyscrapers that could reach so high, one may think he had reached heaven's gate. Houses with no doors, voice activated windows, with free robotic maids, and only occupants could enter the house through body scanners. They called it "Smart Houses''.

In the heart of Dychophalm was where his father works. He once went there when he was around five or six years old and his all-time favorite were the virtual arcades. His father aided in most of the architectural designs in Dychophalm, thus making him a renowned architect at the young age of twenty-nine. His mother owned one of the biggest bakery shops in Dychophalm, making them third to richest people in their vicinity. Despite their social status, his father decided to settle down in his hometown, Juende, and helped develop the town. They expanded some of their businesses in the area and helped open up schools, hospitals, and libraries. But the primary reason why his father chose Juende was the lack of real trees and plants in the city. He wanted Melo to live a youthful and carefree life, experiencing the sweet cool breeze in the mornings, butterflies fluttering happily in their garden, and muddy grass during rainy days.

Wow. They sound like great parents but why can't I shrug off these feelings of doubt and distrust. He thought

"Nanny, have they always been.."

"We're here now, young master. I'll be back at 4o'clock. Here is your lunch and your backpack. Have a wonderful day in school." His nanny cut him off before he could finish his question and handed him his packed lunch and backpack. She gave him a light push, signaling him to get inside, and Melo continued walking to the entrance of the school. He looked back one last time and saw his nanny waving. He waved back at her. He then turned around and looked up at the school's name. It's named after his father, John Lawrence Daetes' School of Learning.

Melo took a deep breath.

His heart was pounding like crazy in his chest, he was sweating like ice caps were melting, and his feet were as sturdy as the mountains that no matter how much his initiative was to take another step, he just could not do it. He could see the halls slowly stretching far and wide, and his visions blurring and vibrating with the sound of his pounding heart.

"It's alright."

He felt a light tap on his shoulder and a soothing voice from behind, Nanny!, he thought. He turned around and the moment he saw Nanny's open arms he rushed to grab onto her belly and tears fell like rain from his face.

"Oh shhh shhh. Everything is gonna be fine, young master. It may seem overwhelming at first, but the moment you meet your classmates and start the activities, you might find it fun and interesting." She moved him an inch forward and bent on her knees to level his sight. Again, Melo wrapped his hands around Nanny Hearty's neck. "I don't...I don't think I can... I don't think I can go to school, Nanny. I'm scared." he cried but Nanny tried her best to comfort him, soothing him by rubbing his back and rocking him from side to side. As soon as she felt his grip loosening, she slowly loosened his arms and freed herself. She wiped Melo's face with her handkerchief and flashed her gentle smile. Melo replied with a sweet smile as well.