Tessa sat in the large chair in the library, gazing out the stain glass window that depicted the same scene of the angel wielding a sword Tessa saw everywhere. Sitting on her lap was a worn out copy of A Tale of Two Cities, the book that Tessa was reading for what seemed like the hundredth time. Her books were her only distraction, with Charlotte, Henry, Will, and Jem always out investigating, and fulfilling their Shadow Hunter duties. Tessa had settled into a routine in their absence; she would wake up, go to a lonely breakfast with only herself, and on occasion, Jessamine. Then she would promptly retreat to the library where she would read until dinner. And then she would repeat the dull cycle again the next day.
Today she sat in her familiar chair a little straighter, because today was the day the Shadow hunters returned from their latest operation. They were expected at dinner, in about an hour. The time seemed to go slowly for her because she was excited to see Charlotte and Henry and Jem again. She wasn't sure if she was too eager to see Will again.
The creak of the door awoke her from her daze. She looked up to see Jem, tall and lean as ever, with shockingly silver hair.
"Jem!" Tessa stood and ran to greet him, "I haven't seen you in ages!"
"Sure seems like ages," Jem agreed with a slight grin on his face. "I thought I'd say hello before dinner. How do you feel?"
"Oh, I'm perfectly well." Tessa answered. "And you, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine, great actually; I can finally escape the torrents of sarcasm generously provided by one Will Herondale." Tessa smiled at this, remembering just how pleasant Jem's company can be. "What have you been doing to busy yourself while we were gone?" Jem asked.
"Mostly reading," Tessa admitted, "Not much to do around here besides"
"Well I for one think that you have been cooped up in here for far too long. "
"Yes, but I don't mind it." Jem smiled again,
"Well, I'd best be off." He turned and left the library, softly closing the door.
Tessa sighed and sank back down in her chair. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against her hand. She realized Jem was right. She realized Jem was right. She had spent too much time in the library. She needed to get out.
Dinner with everyone together was just as Tessa remembered it. Henry excitingly explained new projects to whoever would listen, and would still go on even if they weren't. Will stayed silent, diligently ignoring everyone, but occasionally he looked up from his food to make a witty comment, dripping with sarcasm, and then would return to his food. Jem exchanged small talk with Tessa about the weather, books and whatever else came up.
After dinner everyone retired to their respective quarters. Tessa went back to her own room and fell into her bed and immediately fell asleep.
The next morning Tessa woke up and stretched in her bed. She looked out the window and saw the sun was shining for once. If you called the watery grey light coming from the clouds sunshine. She quickly dressed and Sophie pinned her hair up in a simple bun. Tessa walked down to breakfast and found that everyone was already seated and eating. Tessa took her seat across from Jem. They exchanged "Good Morning" s and continued to engage in small talk. After breakfast she asked Charlotte.
"Charlotte, can I go out in London today? I haven't been out for ages, and the sun is out today."
"Yes! I need a new dress anyway! And Tessa can come along!" Jessamine squealed.
"Um…" Tessa said.
"I'm sure Tessa would enjoy something else more than dress shopping," Charlotte said carefully.
"Why? Why wouldn't Tessa want to go with me?" Jessamine demanded.
"Because no one likes you, Jess." Will replied lazily.
"Will!" Charlotte exclaimed, but Jessamine had already stood, threw her napkin down and flounced out of the room, leaving Will with a smug smile.
Tessa sighed, and asked again, "So, can I go?"
"Yes, of course Tessa." Charlotte said. Tessa smiled and excused herself from the table.
Tessa decided to walk into London, enjoying sunshine. She walked to the park, and sat down on a bench by a pond and laughed to herself as she saw the ducks that Will had tried to cannibalize. Will. She had thought a lot about him in her time at the library. She absolutely hated how with Will she never quite knew where she stands with him. One second he would be tenderly brushing a lock of hair away from her face, the next he would be spitting words like venom at her. She knew she should just walk away, that he wasn't worth the pain and confusion. But there was always a small part of her that was drawn to him, even when he was cruel. Even when he tore her hear to shreds.
Tessa abruptly stood. That's enough she thought to herself. You came out here to get away from the institute. She decided to walk down the cobblestone streets to clear her head. She walked to a small café to buy herself a cup of tea. The bell on the door jingled happily ad she pushed the door open. She decided to sit by the window and watch people bustle by along the street.
"Miss Grey?" said a voice. Tessa looked up to see none other than Gabriel Lightwood gazing down at her. Tessa mustered a tentative smile and replied,
"Good afternoon, Mr. Lightwood. How are you?"
"I'm well, and you? Any particular reason you are out in London without an escort?" Tessa sighed inwardly as Gabriel took the seat across from her, obviously planning to stay for longer than a polite "hello" and "Goodbye."
"I just had to get out of the Institute, and the sun is out today." Tessa answered Gabriel's question.
"Yes, it is a nice day today. I was on my way to the Institute myself. My father sent me to pick up a package, probably more weapons or supplies. Anyway how are you doing at the Institute? Hope they aren't neglecting you." Tessa was taken aback at the way he truly cared about how she was doing. Will always made him seem like an angry man who didn't care about anything. Will did bring out the absolute worst in people, though.
"No, of course not! They've just been very busy the past few weeks, but I've been spending my time in the library." Tessa said.
"Well, that's no way to spend your time, not all of it at least."
"I don't really have anything else to do."
"You need to get out more." Gabriel said smiling, "And going outside for a walk does not count."
Tessa laughed said,
"Alright Mr. Lightwood I'll 'get out more' how do you propose I do this?"
"You start by letting me buy you tea. And call me Gabriel; Mr. Lightwood makes me think of my father."
"Fine." Tessa replied, "Only if you call me Tessa."
"Alright, Tessa, It's a deal." The waiter came with tea and a tray of biscuits. Tessa and Gabriel continued talking about whatever came up. They sat there for a while talking. It seemed as if every story, every sentence ended in Tessa smiling and laughing, and Gabriel joining her. The time slipped away from them as they were talking and enjoying the day. Soon the sun stooped lower in the sky and Tessa realized that they would be expecting her back at the institute. She was glad that Gabriel had stayed longer than to exchange pleasantries.