The air was particularly humid that day and the clouds seemed to be stubbornly still, creating a dulled landscape on the brick buildings below them. The fall air hit the cheeks at a subtle but cold pace. This strange combination of weather and wind made you cold, yet also made you sweat enough to develop beads on your forehead. This was autumn in London. Oscillating between hot and cold, like an indecisive customer. In this muggy weather, sat Flora. Her once perfectly crafted curl now frizzed int he humidity, losing its tight form. The small table she sat at was paired with a corner street cafe-one of her favorites actually. Frustratedly, she checked her pocket watch and sneered. 'Late again. As usual' Her dark eyes wandered to her latte, the cute foamy swirls distracting her for just a bit.

"Hello, my flower," a subtle voice suddenly whispered in her ear.

"Eeep!" Flora jumped sideways in her seat, surprised by the sudden voice.

A hearty laugh resonated from behind her, slowly fading in volume as it made it's way around her and was eventually paired with a body on the other side of the table.

"Ah, that's always a good laugh."

"I'm not your flower..." Flora mumbled under her breath.

"Not yet, anyway." Clive responded smugly.

Ignoring his comment, she crossed her arms, "You're late again, Clive." She was visibly angry, but also gave a hint of forgiveness.

"I know, I know. But I have a good excuse," he leaned over and reached into his messenger bag, pulling out a envelop with a blue seal, "Someone sent us an invitation."

Flora cautiously took the letter, "An invitation? From who?"

Clive shrugged, crossing his arms, "I didn't open it."

'How could we be getting an invitation this early?' Flora thought, 'we only opened our practice a month ago.' The dull blue seal looked vaguely familiar as she opened the manila envelope, removing the folded paper within.

"Ms. Flora Reinhold and Mr. Clive Dove,

The mayor of St. Mystere cordially invites you to join us in the annual unveiling of the newly restored St. Mystere Grandfather Clock. This special event will be catered and be brimming with elegance and fun. The event will be at town hall near the center of the town in it's ball room area. The event will begin on September 10th at 6:00 pm. The patrons of St. Mystere look forward to your attendance and participation.

-Sincerely,

Mayor Lewis George Hunton III"

Flora bit her lip, her heart beating faster by the second. 'St. Mystere? I have been back since mom...since mom...' She quickly slipped the letter back into the envelope, her hands shaking as tears began to fill her eyes.

"St. Mystere is quite far. I recommend we start packing tonig-"

Before Clive could finish, Flora had bolted out of her seat, 'I-I can't. I won't go back there!' Suddenly, she burst into a sprint down the road, letter at hand, leaving Clive behind at the table.

"Flora! Flora, wait!"

Clive's calls faded into the distance as she ran into the hazy streets, the thoughts of her mother drifting in her mind.

The rain gently beat against the window of Flora's office and shrouded the room in a gloomy grey light. Flora stared out the window, tear tracks fresh on her cheeks. A pendant necklace rested in her hands. Her thumb ran over the intricate design on the cover of the locket. Each ridge held its own pronounce, its own resonance. She reluctantly glanced down at the reflective locket, the initials, "V.R." inscribed.

The door in the lobby opened drastically, "Flora?" Footsteps raced over to Flora's office and stooped suddenly.

"Flora..." Clive's soft voice plucked Flora's heart, making her tear up even more. She wiped her tears and stuffed the necklace in her coat pocket. She turned, a forced smile on her lips, "We should start packing. The unveiling is in a few days, right?"

Clive nodded, his eyes filled with concern. Despite this, Flora rose from her seat and brushed past Clive, heading for the stairs that led to their bedrooms. As she walked up the stairs, Clive's stare loomed on her from behind. Flora knew he was worried. She just wasn't ready to tell him. Not yet...

"Flora..."

A bright white light overtook the scenery. The light slowly detensified, allowing the landscape to show through. It was familiar. A beautiful marble fountain stood in the center of a circular pathway. The sparkling, divine-like water splashed down to the pool of water below, creating a serene sound of heaven.

"Come, my Flora."

There was a figure sitting be the fountain. As they began to come closer, the figure became more clear. It was a woman. Her light brown hair flowed well over her shoulder and over her patterned shawl. Her eyes were gentle and motherly. Then, she was close enough so that her floral scent lingered in the air. Her arms wrapped around, a warm touch emitting from her body.

"I'll always be here, forever, my flower. My sweet golden apple..."

"Mom!"

Flora looked around the room frantically, a heavy sweat on her brow. Realizing she was awake, she gave a heavy sigh. The sun hadn't come up yet, signaling that it was still early. Flora swished her legs to the side of the bed, slipped on her house shoes, and wrapped her home shawl around her. Her hands gripped the shawl tightly as she made her way to her bedroom door. Her feet shuffled into the small kitchen near her room and she reached for a spare glass near the sink. Her eyebrows furrowed as she poured her water, her thoughts drifting back to her dream.

The door to Clive's room squeaked open, a shuffling and a yawn following.

"Sorry to wake you." Flora said in a low voice.

"Don't be. You know i'm a light sleeper." Clive sat at thier small dining table, a brief silence falling between the two.

"Do you really want to go, Flora?" his voice echoed a deep concern.

Flora nodded, her eyes fixed on her glass.

"Well, i'll just finish packing since i'm up. If you need anything, i'm here, my flower."

Flora's cheeks grew red, the apple mark on her neck showing through, "Don't call me that!"

Clive snickered as Flora briskly walked back to her room, a pouty expression on her face, "And don't think we're going to be sharing a room when we get there," She bellowed at him from her doorway.

"It's gonna happen sooner or later." Clive replied with a smug look.

"Not in this lifetime!" She huffed and promptly shut her door. She adjusted her shawl, shaking her head. Turning towards the window, she noticed the sun's light slowly creeping into her room. Morning was on the rise. Suddenly, a bright glint blinded her, her eyes turning to the source. Her mother's pendant sparkled in its silver essence, shining more brightly than ever before...

Finished chapter one! Hope you enjoy and come back for another chapter.

-Lady Mystere