The Man With The Umbrella

- 25 -

Amelia didn't mention her relationship status to her mother, father or even sister in that manner.

She could lie about how the setting was, when she met Mycroft, about how their lives became entangled but she was so selfishly relieved that the questions about Jolene's demise had faded, and Amelia didn't want to start lying again or having questions thrown left right and centre, for that matter that would put her in an awkward position.

She and Viola instead painted together on a shared canvas as a present for the mother and grandmother for Mother's Day. It was a field of wildflowers and Amelia was proud of her daughter's skills to capture the realism within it. Signing both of their initials on the bottom corner, Amelia rang her mum to say that a package would be arriving in the next few working days that she'd need to sign for.

Maggie, the Watson mother, insisted to the pair over FaceTime that they would need to visit soon, in which Amelia couldn't agree more to admit in doing so.

Christmas was a few months away and Amelia still hadn't a clue on what to do this year...

Little did she know about that matter because she and Viola would be spending Christmas at the Holmes' household...

John and his new wife, Mary would be there too.

It was going to be chaotic!

***

"Mum?"

"Yes, Viola?" Amelia looked down to her daughter, still holding her phone in her hand. "Grandma doesn't sound alright." She stated matter-of-factly. "You know Grandma, she will lie about the most mundane things. If it's important she will tell us in her own time. Try not to overthink it. She looks healthy, that's the most important thing." Amelia finalised.

Standing up, she walked towards her wardrobe and pulled out two dress suits. "Now, today's the day for this big court case. The final day actually before the final decision is made..." Amelia swapped both dress suits from hand to hand, putting them over her body by the hanger. "Which one? Grey or blue?" She asked her daughter.

"Blue... It's the same colour as your eyes." She beamed. "Right." Amelia breathed out before getting ready...

***

After dropping Viola off at Harriet's and saying a quick hello to herself and her sister in-law, Clara. Amelia proceeded to walk the busy streets to Westminster Magistrates Court on Marylebone road. She was quite lucky that Harriet and Clara lived nearby and the distance from Notting Hill was merely a tube ride away, practically.

As she was walking up the steps, she pulled her phone out to read the message notification which dinged:

I shall be attending a harrowing event this evening. I may well find myself departing early on - MH

Amelia smirked at his sly excuse to spend time with her, she replied back:

I may very well do the same - Amelia

***

Three hours later, Amelia's client won their case and the judge positively slammed their gavel down. Collecting her things from her locker, she switched her phone back on and messaged Jessica.

Hey Jess, my client won their case. Fancy having a drink? My treat - Amelia

Jessica responding almost immediately: