Just before an eight year old could drift off to a peaceful sleep, she writes in her diary.

May 19, 1856

My name is Isabelle D'Amour, the only daughter of Monsieur Charles D'Amour and Madamoiselle Luisita de Jesus-D'Amour. I have older brothers and their names are Mathieu, Francis, Father Charles, Georges and Maximillien. Today was my birthday. I received a lot of gifts. I got this diary and a feathered pen from Papa and Mama, a small crucifix from Mathieu, a doll from Francis, an emerald pendant with the words "Together Forever" carved on it from Esmeralda and there are many more to name.

About my parents, they are sweet and loving. Especially to my older brothers and me. Papa is a Frenchman while Mama is a Filipina. In the past, Papa's first wife died of childbirth. O may she rest in Heaven, as well as her baby. A year later, he was invited by Judge Claude Frollo, his friend, to stay in the Philippines and rest from mourning for his wife and son. In the town square, Mama accidentally dropped the vegetables she bought from her basket. Papa ran to her and helped her. It was love at first sight. Papa courted her and he married her. They were happy that they have sons. But, they want a daughter. Mama and Papa prayed to God and I came to this world. They would always call me "Our Beautiful Pearl".

About Mathieu, he is very pious, intelligent, strong, loving and responsible. He loves playing with me and talking to me although he is now 27 years old. Mathieu would sometimes say silly words and sentences I still do not understand. I hope I will understand what he is saying someday. About Francis, he is silly, a trickster and teases me even he is 25 years old. At least his tricks are not that dangerous. Francis is also brave, strong, loving and daring. One time, he stole Madame Corinne's undergarments. O may God forgive him of his misdeed. He likes women, music, fencing, horseriding and war history. About Father Charles, he is generous to the poor and loving to God although he is 21 years old. He is one of the reasons why I love God and other people. About Georges, he is talkative, mischievous and loves nature even he is 13 years old . He even has a big, white dog called Henri. About Maximillien, he is pious, quiet, intelligent, playful and lively. I consder him as one of my favorite brothers.

About Esmeralda, she is my best friend. She also has the same age with me. But her birthday is January 7. We are like sisters and we really love to play like Maximillien and me. Although we almost have everything in common, we have different hobbies aside from playing. Esmeralda loves dancing, singing, drawing and thinking. While I love praying, reading, studying and sewing with Mama. Her father, Monsieur Joseph Lavoie, is great friends with Papa and Judge Frollo. She also has an older brother, Clopin. Both Clopin and Georges share the same age and are best friends.

Aside from my family, I'll now write about my religion. I am a Roman Catholic. My family and I go to the Notre-Dame Cathdral to pray there. It's a very beautiful and large cathedral. That's where Father Charles is working in. My favorite saint is Saint Catherine of Alexandria. She is beautiful and loves Jesus and education. I have a blue rosary given to me when I was 3 years old by my mother, which is her rosary since she was a child. I also have a golden crucifix scapular given to me by Papa when I was 5 years old. Father Charles also gives me small portraits. When I was 7 years old, he gave me a small portrait of God and Jesus in Heaven and a small portrait of Mother Mary. Today, he gave me a small portrait of Saint Caterine of Alexandria.

I'm going to sleep now. I'll write more tomorrow.

Isabelle closes her leather diary and keeps it in her cabinet. She then organizes her feathered pen and ink container. She kneels in front of her bed to pray. Then she gets up on her bed and drifts off to a peaceful sleep.

On the other hand, Esmeralda is looking at the stars from her window. She stares up at the sky, wondering how is her mother who has passed away when she was just merely 6.

Even Esmeralda is just a young girl, she has many thoughts and doubts. Thoughts on what Heaven is like and how do souls enter there. And doubts that Heaven is real and that God is sometimes cruel. She would never tell nor ask about these thoughts. Not even to her best friend, Isabelle. Isabelle would be totally offended once she knew about her thoughts and doubts.

Joseph enters the room and asks his daughter, "Esmeralda, why are you awake?"

"Papa, can we please talk?"

"Of course." He closes the door, grabs a chair and sits in front of Esmeralda. "What do you want to talk about, my sweet girl?"

"Is Heaven real, Papa?"

"Of course it is real. Only people who accept God and Jesus and who are very good go to Heaven after death."

"Where is it?"

"In the clouds."

"Then why can't we see it?"

"Like what Claude said, God works in mysterious ways."

"He always say silly things, Papa."

"Things that still make sense to the old ones, Esmeralda. I hope you will understand what do the elders say."

"I hope so. Papa, why did God take away Mother?"

Joseph let out a deep sigh out of sadness. He must be strong to reply his daughter. Joseph can't leave his daughter hanging without an answer to her question. "Esmeralda, many people have challenges in their lives. Not even people who are rich and powerful are saved from challenges. In the Book of Job in the Bible, there lived a faithful man named Job. He had a wife, a lot of sons, a lot of riches and livestock.

One day, Satan came to God and challenged Him. He asked if he can take over Job's life for a moment. God refused but he finally agreed. After that, Satan did the worst things on Job. Job's sons died, his livestock died and his riches were taken away.

At the end, Job still stayed loyal to God. At one point, he cursed God then repented for what he said against Him. God cast away Satan from Job's life and came to help him. Job became richer and had more children. Now, what is the moral lesson?"

"Do not trust Satan?" Esmeralda answered unsure of her answer.

"That can be an answer." Joseph assured her. "But the real lesson is: have faith in God and He will help you overcome your challenges."

"Can God also help the poor?"

"Of course. In fact, He loves the poor. That's why there are saints who devoted their lives, not only for God, but also for the poor."

"Papa, how are the rich and powerful are not saved from challenges?"

"Their challeneges and failures made them stronger, better and successful. Your Mother's death taught me how to be stronger for you and Clopin."

"Papa, please promise to me something."

"What is it?"

"Do not remarry like Monsieur Charles."

"I have sworn to your mother that I will never remarry. Besides, you and Clopin are enough for me. Especially you just look like your Mother. You are very beautiful and curious."

Esmeralda giggled at his comment. Joseph swept her up from her chair and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"You must sleep now or you will be tired tomorrow. You have a big day tomorrow."

"Can I visit Isabelle, Papa?"

"Whatever you wish, Esmeralda. Good night, my daughter."

"Good night, Papa."

Joseph put her down in her bed, tucked her in and left the room quietly. Esmeralda sat up to pray before she goes to sleep. She prays for gratitude to God that she, her family and her friends are still alive. She also prays for the peace of her mother's soul. After that, she goes to sleep.

This is just the beginning.

A/N Two notes about this fanfic, dearest readers: the setting also take places in Paris and San Lorenzo (a fictional city in the Philippines). Most of the OCs are Catalina and Simoun's family members and friends. And the others are just random. A note about my past fanfic, My Sister. The Once Upon A Decemer is indeed taken from the movie Anastasia. Tbh, I know no other lullaby but for Once Upon A December. That's all. Bye, have a great time.