Disclaimers: I do not own the 39 Clues.

Prologue

The soft silhouette of the skyline darkened against the last rays of the evening sun. A chilling breeze drifted through the cold November air. Gray autumn clouds rolled in overhead, casting a gloomy cover over the small suburban town.

Rain soon began to splatter noisily on the cracked cement road. It started as a light drizzle, the tiny droplets stroking the brittle red leaves. The red maple trees, already starting to be stripped bare for the cold months, dripped from the wetness. Soon, the gentle mist transformed into a heavier downpour.

The usual latter was out and about their business. Umbrellas blossomed in the rain as men ducked under the protective cover, moving slowly down the sidewalks. Kids ran about in their rubber rain boots, splashing into small puddles forming on the road. Feet clad in maroon red, coffee brown, baby pink, and lemon yellow rushed by in a blur of colors, walking quickly to find cover. Cars zoomed past, the tires spraying water onto unfortunate sidewalkers that cursed under their breaths.

A young couple also moved down the sidewalk, under a cherry red umbrella. The girl walked in front had her arms out, obviously enjoying the rain. She wore a simple white blouse and plain navy jeans. Her hair was loose, falling in a cascade of reddish brown curtain over her shoulder. Her most striking feature are her eyes. Jade green irises, just a few shades shy of emerald, illuminated with bliss.

Behind her, a well-dressed guy lagged a few steps slower, one hand gripping on to their umbrella and the other shoved into the pocket of his tailored trousers. His expensive outfit juxtaposed her simple attire. He pulled the umbrella a little closer to shield from the downpour, and then proceeded to occupy himself by flicking off a leaf that landed on his impeccable shirt sleeve.

The girl spun around suddenly, laughing gleefully as the droplets from her hair sprayed the guy underneath the red umbrella. His perfectly tanned face turned into a scowl as he swiped the water off with a silk handkerchief, but his lips turned upward into a grin seeing the smiling redhead. He knew that she liked rainy weather the best. He love the way her eyes lit up, all the worry vanished and replaced with joy.

The girl rolled her jade green eyes and snickered at his discomfort. She ducked under the umbrella and fell into step with him. She knew that he hated the rain, but he would never admit it because he would do anything for her.

The pair walked in silence, listening to the rhythmic drip, drip, drip of water against the red fabric. They rounded the corner at the central park, and continued down a secluded path until it came to an end at a large estate.

Under the shelter of the awning, he lowered the dripping umbrella and set it on the pavement. She stood up on her tiptoes, trying to match his height. She whispered something inaudible into his ear and started to walked toward the wooden door.

He suddenly grasped her wrist before she can leave. She stops and turns around, understanding the signal that he needed her attention.

His face was passive, but her perception pierced through the cover and saw his nervousness. He slowly reached inside his coat pocket and slipped out a small square box.

On a whim, he got down on one knee.

"I know that this is really sudden. I can't tell you enough how much I care about you. You are the most caring, intelligent, gentle, and beautiful person I've ever met. You've taught me how to truly be a good person, and you've changed me. I am so fortunate to have you in my life."

He opened the velvet box. Inside, a gorgeous diamond ring rested on velvet, its beauty illuminating in the dusk. The large gem glowed with beauty, and the small box was barely large enough to contain its lustrous shine.

He continued, amber gaze staring down her bright green ones.

"I love you, Amy Cahill."

He took a deep breath.

"Will you marry me?"

She stood there, frozen in place, like a deer caught in the headlights. Her surprise was plastered on her face, her mouth hanging in an "o". Her breathing was uneven, and after a few attempts, she was able to calm herself.

After a long moment to silence, she finally spoke.

"Ian... I-I don't know."

She bit her lips, surprised at the words she just said. Her own mind was in a confused jumble, unsure and indecisive.

He was taken aback by her answer. He remains expressionless, not losing any of his suave.

Amy continued. "What would the branches think of this? I know that the Lucians already strongly disapprove our relationship. Just imagine how everyone's going to react when.."

"We can run away, you and I. To somewhere that no one will ever find us. They can't tell us that we can't be together because you're a Madrigal!" Ian replied, exasperated.

"Ian, I can't just leave like that! What about Dan, Nellie, and Fiske? Besides, Natalie needs you! You're the only family she has left," Amy said.

"They can take it. It will only take some convincing and-"

A Lucian and a Madrigal?

It's a joke.

I can't imagine what half-branch scums they're going to create.

They're not going to last.

Crossing branches is going to cause another conflict.

They can't possibly end up together.

No way.

"We can't work."

Ian slowly regained his position on two feet. He snapped the small box close with his hand, curled tight into a fist.

"I can wait for you, Amy. However long it takes." He promised, sounding tired.

Amy studied him. She heard desperation in his voice. Ian was always a smooth and passive person, never exposing his emotions. His insecure side was locked underneath his armor of confidence, shielding him from his weakness. His desperation was heartbreaking. Amy tried hard to keep the tear in her eye, dangerously close to spilling over into a waterfall.

Amy was in deep thought. After a while, she responded.

"I need some time to mend the relationships and tension between the branches. If we are both still single in five years, then we can get back together."

Her helpless green eyes met with his desperate amber ones. Amy inched forward. When they were only within reaches apart, Amy wrapped her arms around him. He immediately reciprocated the act.

He felt her press her face into the crook of his neck. The same way she always done when she was upset.

"I'll be waiting." Ian whispered to her.

Ian felt her grip tighten. His shoulder was wet from her tears, but he didn't mind. He wanted to be frozen in time, holding her, comforting her, and never letting her go.

He felt her grip loosen. As she slowly released her hold, he felt his heart slowly shatter.

She was the first to let go. She stood on her toes and gently pecked him on the lips.

She gave his hand one last reassuring squeeze.

Without another word, Amy turned and disappeared into the house.

He stood there for a moment. The sound of her rain boots clacking, the oak door clicking shut, was so surreal. Her sweet lavender-vanilla scent lingered in the frigid air.

He slipped into the rain, walked into a black car parked just outside, and drove away in the storm.

"Some people don't understand the promises they're making when they make them," I said.

"Right, of course. But you keep the promise anyway. That's what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway."
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Review and tell me your thoughts about this story. I know this chapter was cliche, but I hope it will be better once the first few chapters are out of the way.

I decided to post this just to let you know that I haven't completely disappeared... O-O

Fun fact: Did you know that John Green makes Crash Course World History videos on YouTube? I watch that for AP World history... He's slightly crazy at times. Cookies for you if you know what I'm talking about. (::) (::)

I have some questions! :)

1. Do you speak a foreign language?

2. Frozen yogurt or ice cream?

Much love,

M