Fresh Start

by lydiamxrtin

After struggling to cope with the demons within him, 18-year-old Alec Lightwoods moves to New York to attend New York University and escape his past and make a fresh start. While navigating a new school and new relationships, Alec finds escaping his demons and old life is harder than he thought, will Alec be able to use his new relationships to help him or will his demons ultimatel

1. Chapter 1

p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"strong style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"September 2016/strong/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alec's leg bounced up and down in the back of the cab, his fingers play nervously with the hem of his black sweater, he shifted in the uncomfortable leather seat, turning his head to face the steamy window. Small drops of water raced down the window, crashing into each other. He shifted again in his seat, moving his hands to rub his neck. Alec took in a large breath, holding it for a few seconds before letting it out, a relaxing technique Isabelle had taught him. Alec looked forward in the cab, trying to make out where he was, the driver; a older man, caught Alec's eye line in the mirror, Alec quickly looked away, turing to face the water droplets again. After a few seconds the cab came to a sudden stop, Alec reached into his faded black jeans, pulling out his wallet to pay the driver. Alec stood out of the car, stretching his limbs as he did, the long car ride coming back to haunt him. Making his way to the trunk of the car Alec grabbed his suitcase. Giving the driver a finale wave, he turned around to see his new living accommodation. Most of the morning had been spent registering and getting a mountain of leaflets about the University. Alec walked down the road towards the entrance. Surrounding him were parents and children saying goodbye, tearful hugs and kisses. Alec felt something in his chest, he tore his eyes away and looked to the floor walking into the building. Alec made his way to the lift and got in, closing the door before anyone else could enter. Once inside, Alec rested his head against the wall behind him. He sighed, closing his eyes. Today was a fresh start, he kept repeating it over and over again in his head, a chance to start a new. Alec wasn't sure if he was saying it remind himself or because he was still convincing himself. A part of Alec wished he had taken the stairs, the close intimate space of the lift causing Alec to feel anxious, his chest rising and failing quicker than usual. The elevator binged and the doors opened. Alec quickly opened his eyes and grabbed his bag, exciting the lift. He made his way down the hall, looking for his room number./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"112 - Nope/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alec was hoping that by some miracle his new roommate had deiced to drop of of enrollments at the last minute allowing Alec to have the room to himself./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"114- Nope/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He knew it was a foolish wish, he had been dreading this part, having to share a room with someone else, a stranger. Someone he didn't know or trust. The last time he had shared a room was when he was a child, him and Izzy had shared a bedroom for a month while Izzy's room was getting redone. He didn't mind sharing with Izzy, but she was his sister and a lot had changed since then. Alec flinched involuntary, his hand balling into a fist. He reminded himself that this was a fresh start, meaning no reference to...it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"116 - Yes/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The door to the room was propped open by a small metal bin. Alec peaked his head into the room. The room appeared quite large, his farther spared no expenses on Alec education, more for his benefit than Alec's. On one side of the room was a double bed, covered in plain sheets. Next to the bed was a small desk, enough room for a laptop and some books. On the other side was a cupboard and some draws. On the other side was a semiotical layout. The only difference being a large black suitcase opened on the bed, clothes spread on the bed and in open draws, the once plain walls covered in pictures./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hey!" A loud voice causes Alec to tare his eyes from the bed. Appearing from the rooms en suit was a boy, the same age as Alec. He had golden blond hair that was swept behind him, a few lose strands falling into his face. He was shorter than Alec; which Alec was use to by now, but the boy was still built, his short sleeved white shirt revealing his muscles. "You okay buddy?" The voice spoke up again, the boy walking forward towards Alec./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah, sorry" Alec muttered back his reply before turning around and grabbing his case, pulling them into the room. He made his way over the empty bed and pulled the half empty case on top of it. Alec hadn't brought much with him, a few clothes, some books but nothing else, he didn't want to bring much from home. He opened the case and started to take out his clothes deciding where he would put them./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I hope you don't mind but I kinda grabbed this side?" The blond boy spoke up again, Alec sighed, clearly this boy was trying to made conversation, Alec really wasn't in the mood for small talk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No thats fine" Alec replied, giving a small shake of his head. He turned around and open the cupboard, hanging up a few shirts and jumpers. He opened the draw next to him and placed a few sweaters into the top draw, closing it again,/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm Jace by the way" The blond boy was moving over towards Alec, standing at the foot of his bed "Jace Wayland" He reached his hand out towards Alec, Alec took a breath and reached his hand out, lightly gripping the blond boys hand; whom he know knew was called Jace./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm Alec" He lightly shook Jace's hand, giving a small half smile "Alec-" He stopped mid sentence. The Lightwood name was a well known one in the Law Community, having your farther being one of the best Criminal Defences Attorney came with a price. People made pre-judgements. This was a fresh start. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alec Alec?" Jace gave a small chuckle as he released Alec's hand, crossing his arms over his chest. Not in a aggressive or defences way that Alec has seen so much growing up./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No" Alec found himself giving a small laugh aswell "Just Alec" He was sure his last name would come out eventually, it always did but for now he would be Alec, not the son of Robert Lightwood/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well nice to meet you Alec" Jace gave a smile before turning around and walking towards his bed. Alec watched as the boy continued to unpack his clothes. It was odd. Most people gave up on Alec after a few words, his blunt manner to much for people to handle. Jace seemed different, like he wanted to be Alec's friend. span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Alec turned around to face his draw, he shock his head. He was getting ahead of himself, he had known Jace for all of four seconds, sure Jace might like him know but how would he feel if he knew the truth. Alec cursed himself, just the thought of it brought back memories Alec had spent the last year trying to push out of his head to no avail. Alec breathed in, holding it. This 'relaxing breathing technique' was utter shit. It never relaxed him but when he did it he thought of Izzy and that relaxed him./span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/span/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"strong style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Two Months Ago/span/strong/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Breath In and- no Alec you actually have to breath in I didn't spend four hours researching for nothing." Izzy sat crossed legged on Alec's bed, half opened boxes spread around the new room. Her face was scrunched up in annoyance./span/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Izzy" Alec gave a large sigh from the bathroom, splashing water onto his face. "I really don't think this is necessary-" Alec wiped his face with a small towel coming back out into the room moving a box as he passed./span/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Hold it for-Alec?!" Izzy's raised her voice, throwing a small cushion from the bed in Alec's direction. Alec caught the pillow before walking over to the bed and sitting down beside Izzy, one leg hanging off the edge "Okay so hold it for 5…4…3…2…1… " As Izzy spoke, Alec closed his eyes, he knew this wasn't to work, he had his own methods to cope with the pain. "Okay then out again." Alec opened his eyes to see Izzy staring at him, her eyes filled with worry. "Its meant to clear your head and help you to relax"/span/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Alec couldn't help but smile, the past year had been... the worse in Alec's life and but he was glad he had Izzy "Thanks Izzy" He reached out and squeezed her hand standing up to carry on unpacking his new room./span/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""There loads of other ways it says you can relax do you want me to print them off? Izzy /span /spanspan style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"clambered off Alec's bed walking over to her brother, love and concern in her eyes./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""I'll be fine Izzy, really" Alec had his back facing Izzy, putting shirts into the cupboard./span/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""You might need them when you leave-" A hint of betrayal in her voice, a twinge of guilt formed in Alec's stomach. /span/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"He turned around to have Izzy, giving her a soft smile "I'll be okay" Alec quickly turn around the hide the uncertainty in his face./span/span/p
p class="p2" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Alec?" Jace's voice pulled him from his memory, he turned around to see Jace hovering in the bathroom door a concerned look on his face, his brow furrowed./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""hm?" Alec must have been in his memory longer than he thought, Jace having already unpacked most of his things./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""I said I'm going to grab a quick shower if thats okay?" Jace had a soft look on his face, a slight hint of concern. Alec quickly tore his eyes from Jace, not wanting the concern from this stranger. Alec gave a quick nod before turning around and counting to put clothes in the draw. /span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Okayyy" Jace gave a small chuckle before the sound of the bathroom door locking was the only sound in the room. Alec gave a large sigh, his head lolling backwards. He forgot how hard it was to make small talk with people. Over the break before University Alec had spent the time revising and trying to get ahead of the class, Izzy had tried to get Alec to meet new people, find out who was going to New York University with him. Alec walked back over to his bed, getting the last remaining clothes out of the case./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Alec felt his breath hitch, like a lump of ice had grown in his chest. A small silver frame laid at the bottom of the case, along the bottom the words 'Family' written in swirly writing. Alec reached in to the case and carefully picked up the frame. For the last year the picture had lived; under Alec's bed, in his cupboard and in his draw, anywhere it was out of sight. Alec was unsure what prompted him to take the photo with him, Alec stared down at the three small innocent faces looking up at him, he felt a lump start to form in his throat, water started to prick the side of his eyes, he cursed under is breath. It was the first day of his 'fresh start' and Alec was already screwing up. He looked back down at the photo, his thumb lovingly brushing over the faces. He wished he could go back, he remembered how the three of them were; f/spanull of promise, hope, always smiling. Then Alec had ruined it. He span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"took a large breath and placed the photo down on the bed wiping his hands down his face rubbing the back of his neck. Alec heard movement from the bathroom, he quickly reached down and placed the photo back in the case, closing the top. /span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Jace stepped out of the bathroom wearing a pair of black jeans, a dark short sleeved blue top. His hair had been slicked back./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Hey so you wanna go grab some lunch or something" Jace was pulling his empty suitcase off his bed, pushing it underneath. He turned around to face Alec, a warm smile on his face "I haven't eaten since this morning and could defiantly go for a burger?" The boy had a friendly presence to him. Alec had only known him for a few minutes but could tell a lot about him. He clearly liked people, was a bit character. Jace's side of the room was covered in pictures; friends, family, Alec imagined him being popular in school, the kinda boys Alec hated. /span span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""I mean were going to be roommates we should get to any each other right?" The boy walked towards Alec. Instinctively Alec retreated, taking a step back to create distances between him and Jace. Jace paused, seeming to understand./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""I actually had something to eat this morning but thanks for the offer" Alec gave a fake smile, one he had perfected over the year. Jace give Alec a disappointed smile, but not pushing the boy any further. Alec appreciated it, he had spent the last year being poked and prodded by questions; are you okay? Whats wrong? Do you want to talk about it?/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Jace was about to exit the room when Alec spoke up "Actually, I could go for a coffee?"/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Jace gave Alec a small smile, seemingly surprised by Alec's change of heart, "Great, apparently there is a burger place on campus?" With that the boys left the room, Jace locking up as they left. Alec didn't know what made him change his mind, there was just something about Jace, most of Alec's friends were picked for him, his farther making sure they were 'appropriate' and wouldn't tarnish the 'Lightwood' name. Jace was different, he didn't know who Alec's dad was, he wasn't just trying to get close to him to get a intern job or get information. Alec didn't trust people easily, he had reason not to but Jace felt different, he hoped he wasn't wrong./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"The pair walked into campus finding the burger joint easily. The ground floor was flooded with people, everyone grabbing food and chatting with friends. Alec and Jace sat on a small wooden table in the centre of the restaurant, dozens of tables surrounded them, each filled with people. Jace was tucking into his burger, clearly enjoying it. Alec had just ordered a black coffee, his appetite never really returned after-/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Alec?" Alec snapped out of his thought, Jace was staring at him, a hint of worry in his eyes./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Alec shock his head looking down at the table, running his hands through his jet black hair "Yeah, sorry I was-?"/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Its alright, you do that a lot you know that?" Jace's tone was light and playful, clearly trying to joke "Got a lot on your mind?" Alec looked up at Jace, he had finished his burger and was picking at the last of his fries. Alec gave a little shake of his head and looked back down at the table, he began to stir his coffee his eyes fixated on the liquid. Suddenly Alec became aware of how many people were around, it was as if someone had turned up the volume, increasing it to max. Alec used his free hand to rub the back of his neck, trying to calm himself down./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""So where did you come from then?" Jace questioned, his mouth filled with fries./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Washington D.C, you?" Alec looked around the ground floor, it seemed the amount of people there had doubled. Alec hated crowds, he felt like he was being trapped or caged. Alec could feel people moving behind him, there bags hitting his chair./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Born and raised in New York" Jace looked up and gave Alec a smile, clearly enjoying his fries. /span span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""What you taking?/span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Alec could feel panic starting to stir in his chest, he hadn't been in a group of people this large since- "Umm Criminal Law" Alec quickly replied before his mind could wonder to far./span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Shit, heard thats a hard course! I'm taking History" Alec could hear Jace talking, rambling about lessons and teachers, he was like Izzy in that way, liked to talk. Maybe thats why Alec trusted him, he had a familiarly to him. He tried to focus on what Jace was saying but the noise of the people was to loud, Alec brought his hand up to his face, rubbing his temples to try and soothe his growing headache. /span span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""Hey Alec are you alright?" Alec raised his head to see Jace staring at him, his eyebrow furrowed like Izzy's was when she was partially worried about Alec. A sudden loud crash from a few tables away caused Alec to jump in his seat, his eyes squeezing shut. Alec quickly shock his head and stood up from the table, his chair screeching as he did so. /span/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"span class="s1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;""I should really get going, still got stuff to unpack, thanks for the coffee, I'll see you later" Alec quickly rushed his excuses and placed a $5 bill on the table for his coffee, he franticly turned around and pushed his way through the tables. He could hear Jace calling after him, but Alec pushed forward needing to leave the crowed prison. Alec pushed open the double doors and tumbled out into the campus, the fresh air instantly relaxing him. Alec moved away from the still crowed campus and started to walk down the street, his nerves still on edge. Alec didn't now where he was going, he had visited New York a couple times before but didn't know his way about, he just needed to leave the crowed area. Alec continued walking for a few minutes, his headache slowly fading into a small throb. As he walked down the street he noticed a small cafe, the front was made up of two large windows the words '/spandolce' across in fancy writing. Inside was a hand fall of people, six or seven at max. Alec wasn't sure what persuaded him to go inside but something did. Alec pushed the large doors open and walked inside, the smell of fresh coffee and pastries filled Alec's nose, his muscles started to relax. He walked over to the back of the Café and took a seat on a small leather sofa chair, a small coffee table in front, and a symmetrical sofa chair opposite. Alec's head rolled onto the back of the chair looking up at the celling. He took a breath and held it. Alec's hand reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. His held lulled forward, looking down at his phone. Alec paused for a moment before hitting speed dial 1. The phone rang for a moment before a loud shriek caused him to almost drop his phone/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""ALECCC!" Izzy's voice was loud and clearly excited, Alec could imagine her jumping up and down like she did when she was a kid./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Okay, so I think I may be deaf" Alec give a small chuckle and shot his head, using his free hand to rub his ear./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh shut up, so how is New York? Tell me everything!" Alec /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Its-its good thanks"/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hows your roommate? are they okay? if there not I'm sure dad could-" Alec felt himself tense at the mention of his father, quickly interrupting Izzy before she could carry on./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""There fine Izzy, we actually went out and grabbed some lunch" He decided to leave out the part where he bolted because he couldn't handle a crowd. Alec felt himself cringe at how pathetic he sounded. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thats great Alec!" Alec could hear the relief in Izzy's voice, she clearly being as nervous as Alec was about the roommate./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah, so hows everything with you then? Hows school?" Alec preferred to listen to Izzy, her enthusiasm about life giving him a chance to escape. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Okay, interning at the hospital in the evening and schools boring as usual" Like there mother, Izzy was training to be a doctor, following the family tradition. Although she wouldn't admit it herself Izzy was extremely smart and was set to be on course to attend Yale, just like mother. "So tell me about your roommate?" Izzy was wise to Alec's tricks, changing the subject back towards him./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""His names Jace, he's alright I guess" Alec shock his head lightly, slightly cringing at his behaviour earlier. Alec looked around the Café, a few more people had entered but the majority were sat at the front, keeping away from Alec. He looked over to the barista who was mindlessly cleaning glasses./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Is he cute?" Alec's head instantly snapped away, looking straight forward and large frown appearing on his face. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What? Why? why would-" Alec could feel his face starting to heat up, a unsettling feeling rising in his stomach. Alec started to look around him, knowing it was illogically for anyone to have over heard the conversation but unable to stop himself. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What? It was just a question" Izzy's voice was playful and Alec knew what that tone meant, he breathed a slight sigh of relief./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Isabelle no, uh uh, not happening, he's 18!" Alec leaned back on the chair, looking up at the white celling./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I didn't say-wait hold on a second" Alec could hear movement from the other side then a large sigh from his sister "-I've got a incoming call from dad" Alec copied his sisters sigh, squeezing his eyes shut for a second./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Its fine, I'll call you back later-" Alec knew Izzy wanted to continue talking to Alec but the stress of the day was finally starting to catch up with him./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No Alec its fine, dad can wait!" Izzy's voice had a hint of desperation to it, not wanting to leave her brother. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I've got stuff to do anyway, I'll call you later Izzy" Alec leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees resting his head in one of his hands the other still holding the phone./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Love you Alec" Her voice was soft, a hint of sadness./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Love you to Izzy" Alec pulled the phone away from his face, hanging up. Alec was so engrossed in the object in his hand he failed to notice the man stood behind the sofa in front of him/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Is this sofa taken?" Alec's head wiped up. Stood in front of Alec was a young man, probably the same age as Alec but slightly shorter. He wore a pair of skinny black jean, the pockets embed with jewels. His top was lose fitting a dark maroon colour, the top few buttons undone exposing his chest, he wore a hand full of necklaces, each a different colour and shape. Like Alec, his hair was jet black like a crow. Alec couldn't help but be drawn to his eyes, a light brown colour, almost a yellow, it reminded Alec of cats eyes. His eyes were surrounded in gold glitter, some of it falling onto his checks. Alec couldn't help but stare at the man, his heart beating slightly faster than usual. The man gave Alec a smirk, looking Alec up and down, suddenly Alec felt very under dressed. Alec quickly became aware that he hadn't replied to the strange man, he opened his mouth to reply but found his mouth vacant of moisture./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ermm, uh" Alec was suddenly lost for words, every word he had ever learn flying out of his brain, what was going on./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well now it is" The man replied playfully, he walked round the chair and sat down, crossing one leg over the other, his ankle resting on his knee. "I'm Magnus, Magnus Bane" The mans voice was silky a obvious confidence to it, Alec continued to look at the man, notices a dark maroon nail polish covering his nails, more jewellery adorning his hands "And I'm assuming you have a name?" The man leaned back in the chair, his arms resting on either side of the chair/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alec" His voice came out breathy, Alec quickly took his eyes away from Magnus choosing to look at the far more interesting wooden table in front of him./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Magnus paused for a second, seemingly trying to decide what to say "Is that short for anything?"/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"This time it was Alec who paused. He never used his full name, it having to many painful memories attached to it, "Alexander" he replied quietly, he cringed at how weak his voice sounded./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well then Alexander, its lovely to meet you" Alec raised his head from the table, Magnus was still in the same position, he was looking at Alec, his cat like eyes bright an full of life. "So what course are you taking?"/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What?" Alec fully raised his head, making eye contact with Magnus./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Course? you know what people do at university?" His voice was laced with sarcasm, but not aggressive, more playful./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""How-how did you know?-" Alec sucked in a breath trying to regain control of his speech, before he could carry on Magnus spoke up, leaning forward on his seat./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""That you go to university? Well one your wearing a 'New York University' sticker on your sweater" Alec looked down at his black sweater, a large purple sticker in the middle of his chest, Alec cursed the woman who persuaded him to put it one, he quickly reached his hand up and ripped the sticker off, scrunching it into a ball. "and the other reason I know is because the only cute people around here go to the university" /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alec felt his whole face heating up, he looked down at his lap, his thumb rubbing the palm of his other hand "I uhh, umm-"/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Your very adorable when you stutter you know that" The man was tilted his head to the side, his mouth opening to expose a set of perfect white teeth, the mans lips had the smallest hint of glitter on them, a bright gold, matching his eyes./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I-I should be going" Alec quickly stood up, his knee hitting the table on the way. "I've got-got stuff to unpack-"/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But Alexander, we've just met, there's plenty more I'd like to know about you darling" Magnus leaned back on his chair, gesturing to the sofa Alec was seated on. Alec paused, looking at the stranger, Magnus cocked his head towards the empty seat, raising his eyebrows suggestively./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I've got to go, sorry" Alec didn't have the energy to come up with a clever lie, his brain still confused as to what had just happened. As Alec left the shop he realised that his breathing had significantly increased. He walked down the street back towards his apartment wanting to get into bed and forget the day had happened. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It had taken Alec less than ten minutes to get back to the apartment. He quickly climbed the stairs not wanting to deal with the lift. As he opened the door from the stairs he noticed a swarm of people in the corridor door. Alec swore under his breath making his way to his room which was at the end. He kept his head and and walked through the crowd. Everyone and laughing and joking, obviously a group of people that already know each other and other people who just want to join in. Alec felt his palms becoming sweaty, he quickly wiped them on his jeans and walked forward. Alec could see his door, he breathed a sigh of relief, the amount of contact between him and the strangers becoming to much. Alec raced towards the door and quickly pulled his key from his pocket, unlocking the door and frantically closing it behind him. Alec rested his forehead against the door trying to relax his breathing. 5...4...3-/p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hey!" Alec quickly spun around to find the source of the noise, "Whoa, its okay its just me!" Jace held his hands up in front of him, the boy looked incredibly worried. His eyes trailing up and down his body, still wearing a face of concern. Alec had seen this before, it was something Izzy would do. It was then Alec realised why Jace looked so worried. Alec had instinctively backed up against the dorm room door, like a scared animal, his hands bulled up into tight fists, his knuckles going white from the pressure. Alec pushed himself off the door and walked over to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He went over to the tap, turning it on. Alec watched as the water flowed from the tap, little droplets splashing out of the sink and hitting Alec on the face. He shoved his hands into the icy water and cupped some, bringing it to his face. The water ran down Alec's face and down his neck. He pulled his hands down and gripped the sink edge trying to regain his breathing. /p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hey Alec, are you okay in there?" The voice came from right outside the room, although the door wasn't locked, Jace made no attempt to open it and Alec was thankful./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm fine Jace" He didn't sound as convincing as he would of liked. Alec hadn't been around so many people in a long time and he had forgotten how difficult it was. He leaned more heavily on the sink. He scrunched his face up, he hated it. He hated this feeling, like he had no control of what was happening./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You sure? Should I get a someone or-" He could hear movement from the other side, like Jace was moving away from the door./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No! I'm fine!" His reply came out more harsh than he attended but the thought of a crowd of people gathering in the room made Alec want to be sick. There was no response from Jace, Alec gave a sigh of relief. He looked down into the sink, water droplets making there way down the white porcelain. Alec took a few more breaths before drying his face with the small towel. He reached for the door handle, taking one more breath before pulling on the handle and walking out of the bath room. When he came back into the room he saw Jace seated on the edge of his bed, his legs hanging over./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You good?" The boys blue eyes were wide, looking at Alec with worry. Alec quickly turned away and walked towards his draw grabbing a pair of joggers and a plain long sleeved grey top before walking back over to the bathroom./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah just-just been a long day" He opened the door and went inside, leaning his head against the door. He quickly took of his jeans throwing them onto the floor. He lifted up his sweater throwing it to the floor, Alec breathed for a moment before picking up the grey top and placing it over his head. He gathered up his clothes and left the bathroom, throwing them onto the floor by his bed. Alec looked over to Jace's side, the boy was in the same position as he was, still watching Alec with a worried looked./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm okay Jace, its just been a stressful day" His voice sounded tired and he hoped Jace would let it go as he wasn't in the mood to argue with his new roommate. He looked over at the boy, his face unchanging. Finally it appeared that had given in. He gave Alec a reassuring smile before moving off the bed to grab his own sleeping clothes. Alec laid down on on his bed looking up at the celling. He felt the stress of the day washing over him. Alec had convinced himself that this was a fresh start, a part of Alec was still convinced this was true, lived in the hope that a new city and new school would change everything that happened over the last year. However there was another part of Alec, one the he had tried to keep repressed for the last few months. Despite his efforts this little voice had still managed to creep into his mind; moving to a new school and city would change nothing, it wouldn't undone the damage done, it would change what Alec did. He pulled the covers back and crawled into the bed. He reached over to his desk and grabbed his phone, setting an alarm for his morning class. As he laid back in the bed he rolled onto his back looking up at the white celling closing his eyes./p
p class="p1" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alec had sworn to himself this would be a new beginning, but if today was anything to go by it seemed to be the same story with a different name. /p