We made our way back to the Institution, slowly but surely. They all surrounded me, Jace to my left, Alec to my right, Isabelle in front, and Simon behind me. I could hear Simon mumbling something under his breath, but I couldn't understand what he was saying. Jace seemed to chuckle then look at me. I was so confused at this point. We stopped in front of this magnificent building. Its high arches, its broad doors, its wide windows. It was quite amazing. I couldn't help but stop and stare. They all laughed at me, quietly of course. I shook my head slightly, getting rid of the trance I was in. Simon came up behind me.
"I had the same reaction. Don't worry, you aren't alone." He had whispered it to me. I couldn't help but blush. Why was I blushing? This made no sense to me. I couldn't even think straight. Isabelle was glaring at me by then. What the hell had I done to her? "Let's head in." We followed everyone inside. It was quite beautiful inside. Clary smiled at me.
"It's quite nice, isn't it? I love it here. It's become my other home, the safe one at least." A woman came up behind Clary then and hugged her. They looked very similar. I could tell they were mother and daughter. Her mother looked up and smiled at me.
"And who is this girl?" She asked everyone. I walked over to her and stretched out my hand.
"My name is Wynter. Wynter Dallon." Her eyes widen, but she shook my hand. "And your name is?"
"I'm Jocelyn Fray. It's nice to meet you. I must ask, is your mother's name Samantha?" How could she know?
"Umm... yes, it is. Who do you know?"
"Oh Wynter, I've known your mother for so long. We grew up together, trained together, and did everything together. In fact, I even helped train you. You probably don't remember it, since you were only five years old then. But your mother would call me and talk to me about you. She's very proud of you. She told me who amazing you were when you fought. She said you fought like your father. He was a spectacular fighter; he even trained with Jace's father at one point. And…" she looked over at Jace then, "he beat him." Jace suddenly looked over at me. He had a little annoyance in his eyes. I just giggled. Everyone else seemed to be holding back their laughter. Simon, on the other hand, was laughing with me. I guess he didn't fear Jace.
"What are you laughing at Simon?" Jace sneered at him. Simon just smiled at him.
"I'm laughing at what I can tell your thinking. You're afraid that someone younger than you might be better. I can tell. And well, I think she could be." Simon smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back. Simon just winked at me. I blushed and looked away then. I couldn't help but act like this around him. I looked up to see Isabelle glaring at me then. Did she like Simon? Were they dating? Oh no, was I interfering with them? I hope not. I didn't want to do that to them.
"That's not the reason! Why would you think that?" Jace argued to him. It was funny to see Jace get upset like that. He stalked off then, with Clary right on his heels. She grabbed his hand and he seemed to relax. Ah, so they were together. Jeez… this whole thing was getting confusing. I looked up to find another man standing with us.
"So this must be another Shadowhunter, or a mundane that can see us?" this man asked.
"She's a Shadowhunter. Quite an amazing one too, according to Jocelyn," Alec said. He didn't seem to notice me, but I was fine with that.
"Her name is Wynter, Hodge. She's Samantha's daughter." Hodge sucked in a quick breathe. He seemed shocked to see me.
"Samantha has told me about you Wynter. She always talks about you. Oh, I'm very happy to finally meet you Wynter." He stuck his hand out for me to shake. I took it gladly. His hand overtook mine easily. "Oh, you must be very tired. It's very late and you need sleep. Would you like to spend the night here?"
"Oh yes! Very much so!" I jumped on this offer as fast as I could. I didn't want to leave yet. I wanted to learn about everything I could. Hodge chuckled at me.
"Alright. Well, Simon, could you show her to the room across from yours? It would be very nice of you if you could." Hodge seemed to be pushing Simon to do this.
"Of course I will Hodge." He took my wrist and started to walk me down the hall. Once we rounded the corner, he let go. My smile fell when he let go. "What's wrong Wynter?" The concern seeped from his voice.
"It's nothing… don't worry." I could feel my eyes starting to water. I looked away then.
"Wynter… please tell me. I don't like seeing anyone cry." He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. "Tell me. So I can help."
"You've already made it better by doing this…" I was afraid that Simon wouldn't feel the same thing for me. He just looked down at me. He looked down the hall and started to walk. He didn't let go of my hand though. It made me smile to have him hold my hand. It sent fire threw me. It was… amazing. He stopped in front of a door.
"This will be your room. My room is right across the hall. If you need anything, just come over and knock. I never sleep, not that I need to anymore. So I'm always here for you." He smiled down at me. It made my knees weak. I started to fall then. Simon caught me, just like you would see in the movies. I looked up at him and blushed. I hid my face in his arm, the only place I could hide. It lifted me up slowly. "And if you ever feel like falling down again, maybe you should go and lay down." He opened the door for her and walked her to the bed. It was quite comfortable.
"Thanks Simon. I owe you one." He had a devilish grin come across his face then.
"I just might take you up on that offer then." He flashed a smile at me. "Good night Wynter. Sleep tight. Dream of the things that make you happy." He shut the door, and as the last light from the hall had disappeared, I drifted off into sleep.