AN: Okay, I lied, this chap. Isn't that important. Yet again….well you'll see.

Disclosure: I do not own Labyrinth, and yet it's stolen my heart. Should I sue?

Chapter 2: Cold Paper

"The paper burns, but the words fly away"

The government building rose menacingly over the little town, holding it in it's immense shadow. It seemed to swallow the entire block, though it was only a few stories high, and about a quarter of a block wide. The car came to a rest near the front door, not many other vehicles were parked so close, making me instantly regret going there. The realization had come far too late, and I was barely on time for the will hearing.

The glass doors slide open smoothly, in a suggestively welcoming way, but it filled my veins with cold metal, sending chills down my spine. Even the warm reception room, decorated with fine paintings and hanging plants, chilled me deeply. There was an aura about the place that sent nauseating waves pounding into me, and it was if I were picking up a weak metallic stench that made me wish to wretch. Either way, I would not allow my weaknesses to overcome me, and keep me from receiving the last thing my mother ever wanted me to have. I knew it was more then money or a final piece of wisdom.

"May I help you ladies?" a peppy clerk asked.

"We're here for Ms. Williams's will hearing." Beena informed.

"Right down the hallway, third door on your left, they've been expecting you." She replied bouncily.

"Thanks." I managed to sound convincing enough to earn a flashing smile. I wished suddenly to lock the clerk in a room some where, to ease the suffering she unknowingly caused.

The hallway was lit with buzzing, blinking, bright florescent bulbs. I was forced to squint in order to see properly, and even then the light retracted off of the metal door handles and other such items. The uneasiness in my stomach grew as we approached the door to the hearing. It didn't seem to be my nerves anymore; more like something had tore open my gut in Biology class. The metallic aura grew in strength as well, sending hott waves rolling into my body, and I was soaking it up like a poison.

We came to a halt at the door and I stayed Beena's hand for a moment before inquiring hesitantly:

"Does it feel…strange in here to you?"

"I'll admit it's a bit tacky, but other then that it's fine." She replied, voice jesting, but eyes soft and concerned. "You're just nervous, this has all happened so quickly after all…"

The door opened, startling us both. Jack stood before us; black hair gelled down, beady eyes enhanced behind sharp glasses, pointed features rigid with impatience. I nearly started laughing at the sight of him, when ever I'd seen him before he looked quite unprofessional, but now this getup and attitude made the building even more queer to contemplate.

"You're late." He stated shortly.

We watched him without replying. Giving him an excuse would only carry the conversation further, and we we'd already kept the others there long enough. Eventually he turned his blaming, cold orbs back to the room and we followed suit behind him.

The room was small and the air was stiff. There was a window open in the back, with little effect. A large table and about 16 chairs were crowded in the center. A water and coffee machine were crammed into a corner beside a white board. Near the door stood a shapely tarp, suggesting something large and bulky lay beneath it. The same blinking lights flashed annoyingly, contrasting the calm and silent atmosphere.

About five of the chairs were taken. My father was there, as well as my uncle, among them sat two of my mother's close friends, and Jack. My father rose instantly, rushing over to embrace me in a protective hug. I held on tightly and watched as my uncle approached.

"I've been worried about you." He stated.

"We all have been." My father added.

I hugged my uncle and watched as Beena shifted her feet uncomfortably. I smirked slightly at the sight of her and decided to make her a little more comfortable.

"Beena, this is my father Jason." I gestured and he smiled. "My uncle Toby, Ellen, and Courtney."

Most of them smiled or shook hands with Beena, and I was pleased that they excepted her. My uncle led her and me to a couple of empty seats and sat down as well. We waited patiently as Jack flipped through some papers and repeatedly fixed his glasses. My eyes kept wandering around the room, the aura had grown stronger, and the urge to leave burdened me.

"Alright then, shall we begin?" Jack asked the wall. He lifted the papers and fixed his glasses. "I Sarah Williams do thank my family and friends for coming, and wish I myself were there with you. Memory will not make up for my departure, but do not grieve. To my loving husband, I leave my house and all belongings within. To my brother I leave $10,000 and my strongest love. To Ellen I leave my car, I know how dearly you loved it when we were children. To Courtney I leave $5,000, you were always my dearest friend. Lastly, to my daughter, I leave the rest of my life's savings, my journal, and my mirror; along with one last piece of advice.

""The journey we begin as we answer the call is long, and filled with all that we have been and all that we will become.""

The silence that followed the will was nearly unbearable, and I dazed out, even after Jack had begun to read off a few closures. It was strange that mother would leave me her journal, when she'd kept it so secretly guarded all my life. And a mirror…why would she leave me a mirror? I shook it off as a family heirloom and concentrated on signing a few papers.

Soon the room emptied and only Jack, Beena, and I remained. We waited patiently for Jack to look over a few more items and watched as he poured himself some coffee. He approached the table and sighed deeply, handing me a thick volume with a red, leather cover.

"This is her journal, her mirror is by the door under the tarp." He stated solemnly. "We'll mail you updates on the money, but it hasn't been calculated yet."

"That's fine." I stated in a whisper, eyes falling upon the book before me, then the mirror in the corner. The horrid feeling flooded me as my eyes gazed upon it, and I leaned heavily upon the chair I was sitting on, afraid I'd faint. Beena instantly noticed the change in my appearance and ushered me a glass of water. She then turned to Jack and inquired:

"Well we'd better get going then, we've got a long drive…can you give us a hand with the mirror?"

AN: short, I know, I know, it's a bad habit. But until you can tell me what you think about it, I don't have much motive to write longer chapters. :Winks: I hope you liked it, more goodies to come. Review and stay tuned, the next chapter is VERY interesting, I promise.