AN: This has been sitting on my computer for a while and I finally got around to editing it. It's been ages since I wrote anything for The 39 Clues, or even read a single book for that matter. Originally, it was intended to be a very long one-shot, but I decided to split it into a few parts. I don't know how many yet, since it is not completely written, but I'm guessing around five.
This first chapter is a bit of a teaser/prelude so the next few chapters will be MUCH longer.
Please leave a review, and I hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: All unoriginal content, characters, and plots taken from the authors of The 39 Clues. Everything else is my own creative content, and copying is not permitted.
THE ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
1: the ending
November 2023
Looking back on the past two and a half years, Amy should have known the entire thing was a bad idea. It was incredibly out of character and she could barely formulate a reason for why she didn't go the honest route. But as much as her heart hurt, she knew she deserved it.
The small metal object bit into the palm of her fisted hand and she squeezed her eyes shut.
This was the right thing to do. The lies had caught up with her and it was time to let go of what never completely felt right. She was sickened with herself and the regret would never stop, but she had be fair and move on. She'd already caused enough damage and begging for forgiveness was pointless, especially if she wasn't entirely sure she meant it.
With a long sigh, Amy opened her hand and slid the item back into its casing in a small blue box. She tossed it into a larger cardboard box, and it bounced off a pile of borrowed clothes, returned gifts, and a white envelope with a long note. It said everything she could have never gotten out in person, her throat too tight and tears too thick every time she was confronted.
She gave the room a lasting glance, soaking in the apartment that had been a comfortable part of her live for four years, and a place of entrapment for over two. She took in every piece of furniture and blocked the memories associated with every corner. She had gotten used to the feeling of a rock in the pit of her stomach for several months, but suddenly, she felt lighter.
Amy smoothed her hands over the cardboard box one last time and tucked the flaps so it stayed closed. She pulled a keyring out of her pocket, left it on the counter, and bent down to pick up the last of her bags. The front door closed with a quiet click and she didn't look back.
She made it down the stairs and into the parking lot. A man in a pair of slacks and a white button down leaned against his car, arms crossed over his chest as he watched her come towards him. His confidence wavered when he saw the conflicted expression on her face and he hesitated before taking her suitcase.
"Are you ready?"
She smiled, squeezing his fingers tightly.
"Yeah. I'm ready."