PROLOGUE:

Happy Birthday, To Me And To You (Sidus' POV)

You're another year older, my little Ky. It's your special day, so cherish it with pride.

I have nothing material that I can give you. No books, no toys, no candy, no clothes.

All I can give is my well wishes and our history. Remember it well, Ky. It is a day of life, both for you as well as me.....

That night you were born, Daddy was still with us. Grandma Rose was with us too.

I had just turned nine then as I sat waiting, rocking back and forth in Daddy's lap. I'll never forget the way Daddy's eyes shone. Within those wondrous brown pools were his pride for you and Mommy, as well as his fear that neither of you would make it.

Grandma Rose reached over and held Daddy's hand. "Relax, Larry." I heard her whisper. "Rebecca is strong. Nothing will go wrong in there."

"Yeah, Ma. I know." That was what he said, but his embrace tightened around me. I leaned back into the warmth of his chest and nearly fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.

It was the door that made Daddy jump up and nearly drop me. A man in green walked out slowly, pulling off rubber gloves with loud snaps.

"Are you Mr. Russell?"

Daddy nodded with such vigor I was afraid it would snap off. "How's my wife? My kid? Are they okay?"

"Everything went well. Both mother and child are safe, Mr. Russell." Then he looked down. "Your son?" With another nod from Daddy, he bent down and pet me on the head. "Congratulations, little guy. You've got yourself a new sister."

A sister? Funny as it is, don't blame any of us for being surprised. You see, Kylie, the scan months before made everyone expect a boy. Mommy and Daddy had planned to call you Kyle.

I sneaked a peek at Daddy. He looked really freaky: Eyes nearly bulging out, mouth in the biggest and silliest grin ever. Daddy didn't care whether you were boy or girl, Ky. He loved you too much to bother.

"You can go in and see them now."

Without another word, I was swept off the ground as Daddy picked me up and ran for door.

First I saw Mommy. Her entire being screamed fatigue, but her eyes were full of bliss. Never in my young childhood had I seen her this happy.

Then I saw you, Kylie.

There you lay in the cot next to Mommy. You were so pathetically small, no bigger than a loaf of bread. But you were magically beautiful.

You didn't even cry when I talked to you for the first time. In fact, I think I saw a smile. A wondrous, heart-warming smile.

"Wanna hold her, birthday boy? Be careful, okay?"

Daddy wrapped you in your blanket and placed you in my hands. You were remarkably warm. Warmer than Mommy when she read stories to me. Warmer than Daddy when I rode on his back. Warmer than Grandma Rose when she hugged me goodnight.

Then I made a solemn promise to you, deep in my heart. This promise I will never break, no matter what gets in my way.

I promised to be there to watch over and protect you forever.

This story I give you as your birthday present, my baby sister.

Don't bother using your pocket money to get me anything. Your coming into my life was the best present I could ever ask for.

All I want this year, and every year to follow, is for you to remember this special day that we share.

Happy Birthday. To me and to you.