A/N

As you've probably noticed, the titles have changed. This is because we've reached a new arc of the story.

By the way, sorry it's been awhile since I've updated, I have two major English projects due in the same time span :\ wish me luck.

Btw, let me know what you think of the new cover. It's pretty simple, and I made it with Pic collage XD but I can't use any high tech editors or I'll seriously fail.

- Christmas countdown update : still 31 days, and 7 hours ;)

"There's always going to be bad stuff out there. But here's the amazing thing - light trumps darkness, every time. You stick a candle into the dark, but you can't stick the dark into the light." - Jodi Picoult

p.s- cast is finally completed! ( a few new characters included, that have not YET been introduced.) ;)

| 21 |

Sometime's I stand back, and wonder if life is created for that specific person. Maybe I was given the challenges I have, because someone out there knows I'm strong enough for them. Or maybe i'm not. Maybe i'm just one of those people who isn't supposed to make it. Not everyone can.

Anyways, this is one of those times. As I take in my sisters shaking shoulders, and her red face, I wonder if someone out there is controlling my surroundings, throwing in my sister to shake things up in my life.

And I know it sounds silly, but it it were true I know i'd want to make it out as a survivor- someone who pushed themselves to get through.

And so I square my shoulders, hold my sisters gaze, and tell her "Lets go see mom."

| 21 |

past of Winsley

The street was dark, though my phone provided just enough light for me to make him out. I felt a pang of sadness in my chest, as I tightened my grip around my phone. She said yes.

I watched as my best friend lifted his new girlfriend in the air, spinning her around. Carla laughed, Jackson joining in with her. It made me feel sick, but why? Why did I feel so heated?

I knew it would happen, but I guess a part of me still doubted up until now.

It was then, as I watched my best friend fall for a girl, that I realized I had found my first love in the eyes of the boy i'd known ever since I moved to texas.

I loved him, but I was too late.

I forced a smile on my face, because I cared about Jackson. I wanted him to be happy, and now that he was, I needed to go along with my life. Maybe UCLA would be a good turn of events for me.

I walked back to my house after that, tucking the letter into my pocket. I would have to tell Jackson that I've decided to go to UCLA, he never even knew I applied. It's okay though, because maybe after I leave Carla can fill in my place.

I just hope she gets it right. Who's supposed to know Jackson secretly loves reading marvel comics before bed? Who's going to pick up a new issue whenever he's had a bad day? How about the fact he likes his coffee black with just a tablespoon of carmel?

I shook the thoughts out of my head. Jackson chose Carla. If she's good enough for him, then she has to be the greatest girl in the world, and then some.

Though as hard as I tried to convince myself, I couldn't sleep well that night knowing I would be leaving Jackson, and my mom behind.

My mom.

I sat upright in my bed, I had forgotten about my mom. I can't leave her behind! She has unstable health, someone needs to take care of her.

I ran my hands through my knotted hair, uncertain what to do. I have to get a college education, and UCLA was one of the few schools I applied to, and I was accepted! I can't turn that down. With that, I made up my mind.

| 22 |

I rested my hands against the wheel, yawning.

We were heading to texas, which was a far ways from here. 18 hours in a car, with a girl I haven't seen in years. To make it even better, it's beginning to get dark out, and i'm fairly sure I have night blindness.

I glanced over at Winnie, she hasn't said a word for a good hour already. I'm sure she's more than upset over the situation, and as much as I wish I could for her sake, I don't feel anything.

I've always been mad at my mom for what she did, I guess that anger evolved to hate, and it's hard to be worried over someone you've grown to dislike over a span of several years.

"So" I began, and Winnie lifted her head to look at me. "How's college?"

Winsley didn't make a sound, just turned her head to glance out the window, and I realized the situation was even worse than I assumed.

She really loved mom, after all, she wasn't the one who was abandoned by her. For some reason, mom cared about Winsley more than she did for me.

Maybe it was just the fact she was younger, but than, she still cares more about her. They're still in touch. The thought gave me a sickening feeling I tired to ignore.

I craved for a motherly figure throughout such a huge portion of my childhood, I wasn't able to enjoy it to the fullest extent because I never realized what I had.

All I could do was compare myself to the other kids, all I saw was two parents and a child, not the fact my dad worked so hard he could qualify as two parents in one.

I relaxed my grip on the steering wheel, after realizing I had no right to be mad at Winnie, or jealous. For the first time I realized she grew up without a dad, without our amazing father.

I could bet my mother never had to face the humiliation of agreeing to play tea party- in public, and come dressed in a hot pink fedora and neon leggings. That was my father.

My mother probably didn't dress up for Halloween, as well as bring along a treat bag for herself just so Winsley could have double the candy. Nope, once again that was my dad and I.

I felt a faint smile form on my lips, but it dipped as I turned my head to glance at Winsley, who was having trouble hiding her face from my view.

I knew then she was crying, and I decided as the first step of being a good big sister, I'd take her to see her mom.

I will pretend none of this ever happened, and I'll leave her alone to talk with her mom, because I care too much for Winsley.

I won't lose her because of my ill feelings towards something she had no control over as a kid.

With that thought in mind, and a red light as encouragement, I unclipped my seatbelt to turn and grab a blanket from the backseat. Settling back in my spot, I laid it over Winnie so she could catch up on sleep.

It's going to be a long day, I thought drowsily, as I glanced at the E.T.A : 16 more hours to go.

| # |

Thanks for reading! :3

I've noticed a lot of you have recently been adding my story to your lists, favoriting it, and sometimes I get a few really sweet comments.

I'd like to thank you guys for giving Butterfly a chance, It makes my day when I see someone's comment or notice someone added it to their reading list.

I know compared to a lot of other writers it's not super impressive, but even 300 reads is a huge milestone for me :P

I can't wait for what the future holds for Butterfly, and I'm pleased to say you'll be meeting two new characters very soon! If you've checked the cast, you probably already know their names :) let me know what you think, and what role you assume these new characters will be bringing to Butterfly.

Have an amazing week,

- Natalie