Hey guys! I am so completely sorry that I haven't updated in so long! I had so much going this semester, with my internship and graduation I just didn't have time to update! I received all of your reviews and messages and I just wanna say thank you for your continued support despite my little hiatus. It means the world to me that you all enjoy this story so much, and believe me, IT WILL HAVE AN ENDING! I promise that this story will continue to be updated thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~Previously~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My bother and I saw somethin special in the pair of ya, and I dont know why you quit, but from what I saw at that game the other day, you still play a damn good game of ball. Ill be plain with ya Alec cause you don't seem the type that can read between the lines. I want ya for the team. I could certainly use some good talent 'round here. And I saw a monster player in the makin, with a lil bit more coachin and someone to push Jace, the two of ya can reinvent soccer for this school."
Coach took in a big gulp of air.
"So will ya do it Lightwood?"
It's a funny thing really, avoidance. It seems to be whenever you're avoiding something, or in this case, a few someones, you seem to see them most. In my case, the case of Alec Lightwood, this seems to be holding true.
Over the course of a week, I have expertly dodged coach and all his inquiries about joining the soccer team, but not without a ridiculous amount of difficulty. I've turned corners, faked sick, and outright ran away from the man for seven days now, to be honest it's starting to run me ragged, I don't know how much longer I can keep this up.
You see the thing is, it's not that I don't want to join the soccer team, I'm just... wary of the consequences. Robert will undoubtedly be unhappy about it, Jace and the team would be thrilled, I'm sure both Max and Izzy would support me. But the question that's been buzzing in my head for the past week is is it worth it?
I'm sure of one thing only at this point, and it's that coach did not expect me to outright run like a bat out of hell out of his office claiming I had an emergency after offering me a spot on the team. Whether I decide to join the team or not, I have decided enough is enough. I can't run away from this man much longer, it's draining me, and quite frankly, it's unfair to coach. All he wanted was to offer me a spot on the team, He wasn't aware of why this was such a tough decision for me. He wasn't aware of all the risks I could be taking if I got the spot on the team, of the beating Robert would be sure to give me. I'm sure my ignoring coach is coming off as rude and unappreciative at this point. I have to make a choice soon.
But at the present, coach is not my only problem.
Jace has been annoyingly observant over the last week. Not exactly hovering but not exactly indifferent enough not to raise suspicion. Izzy has asked me on numerous occasions what's going on between Jace and I, to which I have always feigned innocence, claiming nothing was out of the ordinary. But I'm a terrible liar, always have been, and Izzy is rather intuitive, so she certainly isn't buying it.
My house is becoming suffocating to me, almost as if Robert is in it. I feel like I'm constantly covering my tracks, trying my hardest to keep everyone in the dark. It's becoming exhausting, and I'm tired. But recently, there has been a light at the end of the tunnel for me.
Magnus Bane.
Magnus has turned out to be even more of phenomenal human being than I had originally anticipated. Even though it has only been a week since we started seeing each other, we've went on dates quite often, text and talk on the phone everyday, and generally, just see each other as often as possible. Magnus just has this ability to make me laugh even when I'm in the worst of moods. He's incredible, beautiful, gorgeous.
And completely annoying.
As I'm writing my notes for my next class down, I can't help but notice the smell of acetone, a smell very obviously identified as nail polish. Looking up from my notebook, I see that Magnus, is indeed painting his nails instead of focusing on his homework like we had agreed. His toes now have a magnificent shade of indigo that looks radiant against his caramel skin, and for his nails he decided on a bright sunflower yellow, which played off his green-yellow eyes in a way that was almost unreal. But none of that mattered, because yet again, he wasn't getting his homework done.
It never fails that everytime I go home with Magnus to do homework, he somehow convinces me to do something else instead, Like 20 questions or watch a movie, which inevitably always leads to some heavy groping and making out in his bed.
Now don't get me wrong, I love kissing Magnus, perhaps a little too much, I've taken more cold showers lately than ever before. But falling behind in my school work is not an option. A scholarship for my GPA was is my only way out of my house, as I'm sure Robert will not pay for me to go to a university, I can't afford not to do well.
Putting my pencil down, I looked to Magnus with mild exasperation. He can't put off doing school work forever.
" That doesn't really look like homework to me," I said with slight mirth in my voice. Magnus looked up at me, a smirk playing on his face.
" I'm bored Alec, you're the only person I know that could do homework for 4 hours straight without taking a break. I think you need some time to relax sweetie. You should let me paint your nails! I have this lovely shade of cerulean blue that will match your eyes, you'd be amazed what a little brightness on your nails does for your mood."
With a dramatic eye roll, I shook my head back and forth, clearly not sold on the idea. " That'll be a firm no, but thanks for the offer Mags." Magnus shrugged his shoulders and looked back down on his nearly finished fingers, " your loss."
And again, the silence left me at a cross roads, looking at Magnus painting his nails served to remind me that I still haven't talked to him about the whole soccer debacle. I really do value his opinion, and I'm hoping it will provide me with some insight, I just haven't gotten my thoughts together yet to ask him. Also, I'm positive if I bring up the topic he will never get back to his homework, and neither will I.
Eh, I can afford one break.
With a heavy sigh, I decided to broach the topic, it's time to make a final decision. Here goes nothing.
"Alec honey are you okay?" I startled at his sudden words. "You look a thousand worlds away, what's going on in that head of yours?"
Shutting my books and getting serious, I reached across the low floor table we sat at, and took Magnus' hands in my own. " I actually do have something I want to talk about, I want your opinion on something."
Magnus furrowed his eyebrows in worry and curiosity. " You can ask me anything Alexander, you know that." Magnus' words instantly made me smile, I did know that. And so I began " About a week ago coach saw me play the soccer game against the guys, he said he had seen me play before, and that he was really impressed." I took a breath, "Long story short, he asked me to join the team, I've been dodging him for a week now because I'm not really sure whether I should accept or not. What do you think? I kind of need a second opinion."
Magnus looked contemplative, " I think a better question is, why wouldn't you join the team? You're brilliant on the field, and your ass looks downright delectable in those shorts, what's holding you back from saying yes?"
I looked down, suddenly losing some of my nerve. Shrugging my shoulders, I began to voice my thoughts, " Well it's just, I don't know. If I join the team, it cuts into my studies a lot, as well as the time I get with you. And if I'm not home, who will take care of Max, Izzy, and Jace and make sure the house doesn't go up in flames? It's just a lot to consider."
I looked to Magnus, hoping he could help me answer these questions. Magnus seemed to contemplate my words a bit, before he sighed and stood up from his spot at the table. I watched on, confused, until Magnus came around to my side of the table, and made his way onto my lap, straddling my thighs and taking my face into his hands. His proximity made me feel equal parts nervous and safe.
He looked deep into my eyes, grabbing my full attention." Alec darling I need you to listen to me. I know you're nervous about being on the team. But if you're constantly thinking about what could go wrong, you don't let yourself think about what could go right."
Alec let those words sink in. Of course Magnus was right, but he was still worried. Magnus could see on his face that he wasn't completely convinced, so he continued on. " I know you Alec, you wouldn't let soccer effect your studies, I've seen how hard you work, and I know that joining the team will in no way hurt your grades, you wouldn't let that happen. It's just not who you are. And believe me Alexander, I will always find time in the day to see you, whether it's watching you at practice or sneaking into your window at 3AM, joining the team would in no way affect our relationship. I'm in this 100%, and I wouldn't let something like you joining the soccer team and seeing you for maybe an hour less everyday break us apart. In this small time we've been together you've become important to me. Whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me until you force me away." I chuckled bashfully in response, looking down in mild embarrassment and amazement.
Magnus continued on, " As for your siblings, I've get the impression that you handle a lot of the responsibilities in your house, but I think you should remember that Izzy and Jace are old enough to start taking on some responsibilities as well. I know your very close with Max, but it wouldn't kill Jace or Izzy to pick him up from school once in a while or take him to his violin lessons every now and again. Also, maybe you should talk to your parents, I'm sure if they knew that you wanted to join the soccer team they might lighten the load for you so to speak."
I stiffened then, I hadn't realized, yet again, that I had given Magnus a little more insight into my home life, or rather, lack there of. Dammit, Magnus just made talking too easy, I forgot to proceed with caution sometimes. Biting my lip, I struggled to come up with an adequate response.
Feigning indifference, I responded halfheartedly, looking everywhere but his eyes " I guess your right. Maybe I should trust Jace and Izzy more, I'll talk to them, and uhh... i'll try talking to my parents too. I'll think about it. I appreciate your input and your faith in me." I leaned up and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips as a thank you, and hopefully a good distraction from my obviously horrid lying. There is no way I'm talking to my parents about this. Fuck that.
Magnus accepted the kiss in obvious joy, accepting my distraction well. Leaning back, Magnus smiled towards me before diving in for another kiss, this one more heated and deep. His lips were velvet soft from the cherry chapstick he always seemed to be applying. His tongue swept across mine with just the right amount of pressure and movement. His kisses were intoxicating, I barely realized until I already felt his silky tresses running through my fingers that my hands had made purchase in his hair. This was the effect he had on me, I barely recognized my actions with him, he just made me do, made me feel.
We rarely stopped to even breathe. With each movement of our lips Magnus began to slowly grind down onto my hips, each movement creating a delicious friction that made me harden instantly and Magnus groan against my lips and detach his mouth from mine, finally seeking the air his lungs begged for. Not to be deterred and feeling bold, I attached my lips to Magnus' neck, sucking and biting while masking the groans his circulating hips drove from my throat. When I reached his pulse point, I took him by the waist and pulled him flush to my chest, Our bodies touching at almost every access point, almost. Magnus let out a particularly loud moan, that resonated from his mouth straight down to my hardened erection, he would be the death of me.
"A-Alec...Alexander love we have to stop." His head was thrown back and the lustful look in his eye did not at all match the words coming out of his mouth, but I knew that he was right. With a sigh, I detached my hands from his waist, trying in vain to even my heavy breathing. I felt stupid, I was moving too fast, what if he had wanted to take off my shirt? He would have seen all my bandages, all my scars, I'm not being careful enough, all this recklessness is going to get me in trouble soon.
Magnus, sensing my sudden downtrodden mood, once again took my face into his hands. " Alexander love, believe me when I say that I want nothing more that to stay right here on this floor and ravish you, but I don't think we're ready for all that just yet. I don't want us to get too far ahead and then regret it later in the future."
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah you're right, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything. I got caught up in the moment."
Magnus smirked, "Believe me love, your not the only one, I do believe I sense a cold shower in my future." I laughed in agreement, knowing the same thing was in store for me when I go home. Speaking of home, I reached behind Magnus, who had yet to leave my lap, seeking out my phone. Noticing it was almost 10 o'clock, I locked my phone and sent a text to Izzy telling her I'd be home in 10 minutes.
"Alright, Mags, I gotta go." Magnus drew his face into an adorable pout. "Already! Why?!"
"I'ts nearly 10 o'clock Magnus and I have to be up early in the morning. But I'll text you as soon as I get home to say goodnight, I promise." With a smile, Magnus hopped off my lap and held his hand out to help me up, my knees and legs were stiff from my prolonged time on the floor, but it was worth it, every minute I spend with Magnus is worth it.
Walking me down to the front door, Magnus sent me off to my car with a kiss that made me knees weak and my stomach flutter, and a promise to see me tomorrow on hump day. Why couldn't he just call it Wednesday like a normal person? I began to laugh at his usual antics when a thought stopped me, Shit! Wednesday! Tomorrow is Max's parent teacher conference!
I could do nothing but worry about the outcome of the conference the whole way home, barely registering parking in my driveway and making my way into my bedroom.
Tomorrow I would have to talk to Clary's mom, who just so happened to be Max's first-grade teacher and the mother of my brother's girlfriends, about Max's progress in school, while no doubt dodging questions about my parents and our fucked up family situation. My good mood spiraled into a tornado of nervous feelings and utter dread. I could only hope that tomorrow would go smoothly.
I ran through the motions of showering, washing my face, and brushing my teeth before sending a quick text off to Magnus saying goodnight and turning my light out, hoping that I would somehow reach sleep despite the cloud of worry that settled over my head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``Page Break~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sleep did not come easy. When my alarm finally went off, I had been awake for hours. Tossing and turning all night and sleeping a compilation of maybe two hours.
Surprisingly enough, when I finished my clothing routine and forced my hair to act decent for a few hours, Max was already dressed and ready to go. Confused, I made my way to the kitchen, where both Jace and Izzy were already eating breakfast. Feeling somewhat shocked, I grabbed myself an apple off the counter and poured myself a cup of coffee, before making my way to the breakfast bar where all three of my siblings sat. Did I miss something? I had to ask.
"What's going on? You guys aren't usually up and about yet? Who got Max ready this morning?" Looking up from his cereal, Max was the first to answer.
"Jace did! He even let me pick out my clothes all by myself!" Looking down, I took notice that Max was indeed, wearing his favorite spiderman shirt and a pair of black jeans that matched perfectly with a pair of tiny spiderman sneakers that I had gotten him this past Christmas. Why the hell was Jace up this early? When my eyes shifted over to Jace, I saw that he was already looking at me, clearly knowing that I would be as confused as I presently felt.
He just shrugged his shoulders, his elbows resting on the counter, his hands gripped tightly on his most favored coffee mug. " I just happened to be up, and I know you normally get Max ready and take him to school, I just figured I' give you a break, don't look so shocked."
I couldn't help but look shocked. Jace had never cared before. Jace was playing it off with indifference, but I couldn't help but freak out on the inside. But Jace has been onto me lately, and for all of our sakes, I had to play it cool, make it seem like nothing was wrong. So I replied with a curt thank you and returned my attention back down to my coffee. I had just about gotten lost in my thoughts again when Jace asking me a question shook me out of my reverie.
" Hello? Earth to Alec?"
"Sorry, I wasn't listening, what did you say?"
With an eye roll, Jace replied " I said, I heard that coach offered you a spot on the team. Why didn't you say yes, you'd be great for the team!"
Great. Now I have to hear this from Jace too?
With a sigh, I replied, " For your information I haven't said anything yet cause I I'm not sure if I'm gonna take the spot. I have a lot to think about."
" Well are you?!"
"Am I gonna what?"
"Take the spot on the team ya idiot!"
"I don't know Dammit! I'm still deciding! Get off my back!" I huffed gathering my breathe and calming myself down.
Jace frowned. " You deserve a spot on the team Alec, you're good, plain and simple. I'm sure you'd make the whole school proud, Mom and dad would probably be happy too."
My eyes widened at his words and I immediately jumped out of my chair."No! You can't say anything about this to Robert or Maryse!"
All three of my siblings startled, clearly not expecting me to raise my voice and react so violently.
Sheepishly taking my seat again, I tried to act natural. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell, I just...do you think we could...maybe not tell mom and dad? Just for a while, I'd rather tell them later, I don't wanna bother them or anything while they're away at work, especially if I decide not to join the team." Rubbing the back of my neck in apology, I looked to the three of them hoping they would understand.
Looking to the three of them in confirmation, Jace was the first one to reply. "...Well sure, alright, no need to blow a gasket." Jace stated. Izzy and Max just nodded their heads in agreement but still with puzzled looks on their face.
Getting up and putting my coat on, I decided that this was the best time to make my exit. Grabbing my phone, keys, and wallet, I instructed Max to go gather his school things and prepare to leave for the day.
As I stood waiting for Max, Jace struck up another conversation with me.
"So, what are the new soccer star's plans for today?" Rolling my eyes at the soccer star comment, I replied as neutrally as I could.
"Just school ,and then I'm gonna pick up Max and maybe hang out with a friend afterwards." And by friend, he meant Jocelyn Garroway, His girlfriend's mother, but he didn't have to know that.
Smirking, Jace replied, " The same friend you claim you're not seeing but who I know you're probably fucking?" Nope, that one would be Magnus, who I would unfortunately not be seeing today because of the parent teacher conference.
Just playing along with his game, I replied " Yup, the very same." Jace whipped his head back towards me, clearly intrigued.
"When do I get to meet the lucky lady? I'm starting to feel like she doesn't exist!" you have no Idea, she doesn't exist because she is a he !
"Hopefully never, now I gotta go, make sure you and Izzy lock up before you go."
"Ay ay, captain."
With Max in tow, I made my way to my car, strapping him into his booster seat in the back and preparing myself for this little chat I was about to give him. Working up the nerve and glancing at him through the rearview mirror, I figured sooner rather than later was better for this talk.
"Hey Maxy, can I ask you something?" Glancing up from his action figures, Max beamed at me with his signature smile and said "Ask away!" as he made his batman figurine fly through the air.
"So, you know that I'm meeting with Mrs. Garroway today right? Your teacher?" Nodding his head, Max gave me his attention, while I struggled to think of the right words.
"Why do you have to meet with Mrs. Garroway", he said not completely pronouncing his R's right.
Looking back at the road, I continued on, "Mrs. Garroway meets with all of your class' parents, just to tell us how you're doing and tell us what good of a job you do in class."
Max smiled, " Really?! Is she gonna tell you how good I was at being hall monitor! I was an awesome hall monitor!"
Laughing, I said, "I'm sure you were Max! I'll ask her about it. But I have one thing to ask of you. I need you to promise me something."
"Anything!"
Getting slightly nervous I said, " I need you to not tell anyone that I'm meeting with Mrs. Garroway today. You see normally mom and dad would do these meetings, but they're not here, and I love seeing how you do in school. So I'm gonna do it. But I need you to not tell Jace or Izzy okay? It might make them...upset. Can you keep this a secret. Just the two of us?"
Max beamed at the idea of a secret being held between the two of them. " Yes! I promise! I can keep a secret! I promise!" For good measure he acted out zipping his lips and throwing away the key.
"Thanks Max, I always know I can count on you! My very own superhero!" Max lit up at the idea of being a hero to me, and he is. He's so positive and energetic, he makes my days better without even knowing it.
Pulling up to the curb I realized that we had made it to the elementary school. Sending him off with his lunch bag, a hair ruffle, and a solid promise to see him after school; I watched Max run off into the school with the rest of his classmates.
Getting back in the car, I could only hope that the school day would do by quick.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page Break~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
By my last class of the day I had realized that this day was going to drag.
All of my classes that I shared with Magnus we're dull, as he had texted me earlier claiming that he was taking a "mental health day" and he would call me later tonight after I was done my school work. The only thing I was looking forward to was my meeting with coach. I had stopped by his office early this morning, to which his secretary informed me he was not in yet but she would tell him I stopped by.
It didn't take long to here back. During my first period class coach had the counseling off send me a pass to come down to his office halfway through my fifth period, which just happened to be in 2 minutes. Standing up and showing my teacher the pass, she excused me from class and I made my way down to the pleasant room that smelled faintly of whiskey.
His secretary, who was an uptight looking woman with bright hair and an even brighter smile, recognized me and ushered me into coach's office. She gave two brief knocks before announcing our arrival.
"Mitch! Mr. Lightwood has came back to see you." Coach's head shot up from the newspaper he was reading. A cold cup of coffee sat in front of him, and he had a small grin on his face, clearly he was hopeful for good news.
"Thanks Eff. Lightwood! Have a seat!"
Taking a seat in the leather chairs across from his desk, I prepared myself for the mistake I was about to make.
Leaning back in his seat, coach studied me with careful eyes. "So what can I do for ya boy?"
Leaning my elbows on my knees and clasping my fingers together, I gathered my nerve and sat straight up. It was now or never.
"I'd like a spot on your team sir."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page Break~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As I pulled up outside of the elementary school, I don't think there was any other way to prepare myself for this. Looking in the passenger seat, I couldn't help but drink in the gold and black uniform sitting there, a copy of the practice and game schedule sitting underneath.
This was gonna be hard to hide from Robert and Maryse, but hopefully with Jace, Izzy, and Max on his side; he would be able to make it work.
Shaking all thoughts of soccer out of my head, I took one last look in the mirror. I had tried my hardest to look nice today. I wore a button down navy denim shirt and my nicest pair of jeans. I somehow managed to tame my hair for the whole day and my irish spring deodorant was still going strong.
I exited the car, taking notice of all the parents picking up their children. I wanted that so badly for Max. But there was no beating around the bush, his parents didn't care enough about them to prioritize them over work, and so, he was the best thing he had.
Straightening out my shirt and signing in at the office, I made my way to Max's classroom. Inside Max was in a corner of the room where there was a plush carpet and bean bag chairs, all surrounded by toys and books of every kind. Smiling, I made my presence known.
"Maxy!"
Recognizing my voice, Max ran up from his spot and rushed over to hug me. Kneeling down, I met him as soon as he got to me and hugged him back. Max just had a way of making everything feel okay. We would get through this. Together.
"Alec! You're here!"
I chuckled. "As promised! I'm here for that meeting with Mrs. Garroway. Remember? The one we talked about in the car this morning?"
" I remember! I remember! The secret!" Again, he zipped his lips and threw away the key.
"Good boy! Where's Mrs. Garroway?"
"I'm over here actually, I didn't want to interrupt." Mrs. Garroway was over to the far left, at her desk she had a perfect view of the whole classroom, no doubt that was done purposefully.
Holding Max's hand and bringing him with me to the chairs across from her desk, I sat Max down and went to shake her hand again. Waving my hand away, she pulled me into a warm hug and encouraged me to have a seat.
"It's nice to see you again Mrs. Garroway. I trust Max has been behaving correctly?"
She smiled. "Of course! Max is one of the best and brightest in the class! He excels in all of his school work and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. And I thought I told you to call me Jocelyn! None of this formal stuff. It makes me feel old!"
Continuing on, she looked to Max and said, "Max? Why don't you back to the play circle while your brother and I talk, We won't be long."
Max looked to Alec with excitement. " Can I? Can I go play?! Please Alec!" Laughing I answered back.
" Of course! But make sure you clean up after yourself when you're done!"
"Okay! Thank you! And don't forget to tell Alec about how good of a hall monitor I was Mrs. G!" And with that, Max ran off.
Looking down at the papers she had in front of her, Jocelyn seemed to waive them off. " Now, here I have progress reports and some of Max's work, but I'm sure you know how smart Max is. There's no doubt that he's going to do great things in life. I don't see a point in wasting your time with these silly things. Max always has his homework done and he never says a bad word about anybody. Academic and character wise, Max is doing splendidly. And of course he was an excellent hall monitor!" She made sure to say loudly so Max would hear it. Laughing and whispering conspiratorially she added, " He wore that plastic badge as if it was made of gold. Almost hurt to take it away from him."
I laughed along with her. "He's a fine boy Alexander. Top of the class. I do just have some questions for you."
It was going so well. This was much easier than I had anticipated. " Sure, what can I answer for you?"
Looking sheepish, Jocelyn looked down before gaining some nerve and straightening her stance. "Well they're minor things really. Just a few observations, and you can stop me if it's too personal." Pulling a few of Max's paintings and small essays from a pile, Jocelyn laid them out in front of me. One was the painting I had seen before, in which he said I was his hero. In another, Max wrote about his favorite memory, which had been his violin recital where afterwards I took him to chucky cheese to celebrate and play in the ball pit. Lastly, the third one was as an assignment to draw your home, and Max had drawn Jace, Izzy, him, and I all holding hands in front of a square looking home. We were all distorted and crazy looking, but that's what made it so endearing. On the left side of the picture, Max had drawn a red car, one I recognized as my parent's, and they were both sitting inside, driving away from the house.
"As you can see from his projects Max clearly loves his family. But I have to ask. Max rarely, if ever mentions his parents. And I'm starting to become worried about his home life. Is everything okay at home?"
I wasn't shocked, but I certainly wasn't happy. The proof was definitely in the pudding. You could see it in all of his work. Max's parents weren't around, and the only clear memory he has of them, is watching them leave. I don't think I've ever hated Robert and Maryse more than in this moment. I can tell that Max is a happy child. I raised him, from diapers, Max has always been more like a son to me than anything else. But one day he's going to wake up and realize that there's a void, something he's been missing. A mother, a father, a normal life. But now wasn't the time to get emotional, I had to stay strong, for Max.
Sighing, I vowed to be as honest as possible. I really do hate lying.
"Jocelyn, I'm gonna be honest. Our home life isn't exactly ideal. My parents...they work, a lot. They're often away on business trips and they kind of left it up to me to take care of Max, Jace, and Izzy. But we're happy, and it works. I don't think there's another person on this earth that loves Max more than I do, and have always made sure that despite my parents working a lot Max hasn't missed out on anything. I want him to have a full, happy childhood, just like any other kid. I raised him from diapers, he means a great deal to me, and I would never let Max want or need for anything. You have my word on that."
Jocelyn smiled. " I know you care a great deal for Max. You just have to understand this is shocking for me. I went to high school with your parents, and while never warm and fuzzy, I never pictured Robert or Maryse knowingly letting their oldest child raise their family. It's not right." I was about to cut in when Jocelyn urged on.
"But let me just say this, Max Is one of the happiest kids I know. Well mannered, even tempered, smart, spoiled rotten, but a sweet heart." Jocelyn took one of my hands, startling me.
" And I'm proud of you, Alec. Being so young and raising your brother must have been hard, I was a young mother, I know how tough it can be. I just want for you not to miss out on anything. Your teenage years are coming to a close, you should be enjoying them! I just want to let you know that you don't have to do this alone. I'm here for you, and Max, if you should ever need me."
Surprisingly teary-eyed I blinked hard to will the tears away. " Thank you, Jocelyn. That means a lot to me."
She smiled. "Of course! And I want you to go home and talk to your parents! They are missing out on their children's lives and they are going to regret it! Also, find a good baby sitter and maybe go out and enjoy yourself every now and again. Just enjoy being young, its over before you know it!"
"Thank you. I'll try to talk to my parents, if not for my sake than for Max's."
"Okay then! That's about all I had for today! Is there any questions that you have for me?"
I nodded. " Actually I do have one. Although it might seem strange."
"Well ask away! Strange is my middle name!"
Looking her in the eyes I started, " It might seem weird, but I was wondering if you would mind keeping this meeting a secret from Clary. I know that's a lot to ask concerning she's your daughter, but she would for sure tell Jace and he has a bit of a...sore spot about my parents. Jace often has trouble expressing how he really feels. He's angry about their absence most of the time, and I know he hates when they miss these events with Max. Just for tranquility's sake, would you mind keeping this between us?
Jocelyn smiled. " Oh Alexander consider it done! All information we have discussed will reach no one's ears but mine! If I keep Jace happy my daughter stays happy! So we'll make a deal to keep the peace in both households!"
I couldn't help but thank Jocelyn a million times. She was honestly great. Sitting myself up from my chair I told Max to clean up his toys, to which I promised him for being so good we would go get ice cream. With a shout triumphump, Max cleaned up his toys in record time. As soon as we reached the door, I heard the click clacking of jocelyn's heels behind me.
"Alec! I almost forgot! One last thing!" Turning around I saw Jocelyn running up behind me. She handed me a hand written note and said " Here! Just in case you need anything!"
Taking it, Max and I made our way out to the car. Strapping him in, and promising him that Mrs. Garroway thought he was a fantastic hall monitor. I saw that Jocelyn had written down both her personal and phone number. As well as her husband Luke's cell phone and work phone number. Looking further, I saw that she wrote Luke's work extension as well, and to ask for detective Garroway if I really couldn't ever reach her.
Detective? Luke is a cop?
Taking note of that information, I put the numbers in my glove compartment. I would have to remember to be very careful around Clary and Jocelyn from now on. Especially if Robert is home. I couldn't help but feel a huge weight off my shoulders. Talking to Jocelyn had relieved a lot of my pent up anxiety. It felt good, freeing.
With more time left over than I had originally anticipated, I dropped Max off at his violin lessons and then decided to give Magnus a call, now that I had enough time, maybe I could see him today.
Dialing his number, I waited for Magnus to pick up the phone. After about 3 rings, I finally got an answer. "Hello? This is Magnus the Magnificent Bane! Please tell me that this is my delicious boyfriend calling!"
With a grin, I answered "You're in luck Bane, I just so happened to be that Boyfriend you speak of."
I could hear his excitement through the phone. "Excellent! I missed your voice sweetie! To what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?"
Smiling, I said, "...Well, to be honest I kind of just got a spot on the soccer team and I thought that I could celebrate by seeing my beautiful boyfriend who decided to skip school today."
Playing coy Magnus said, "Really now? I always did have a thing for soccer players. How do you suppose we celebrate?"
Feeling bold through the phone I answered. "I was thinking something along the lines watching you pretend to watch a movie for about 10 minutes before I finally just turn it off and we make out on your bed. Maybe with a meal in between if we're feeling up to it. I haven't decided yet."
Magnus pretended to contemplate for a moment. "How about we skip the movie all together and we can go straight to the christening of my bed?"
"Deal."
"How fast can you be here?"
"I'm driving now, I'm not even 2 minutes away now."
"Well don't keep me waiting! I'll be waiting patiently!" With that Magnus hung up and I continued my drive over. Sending a quick text to Izzy and Jace. I made my way to Magnus' house. Despite all the possibilities of today being horrible, I couldn't help but feel like everything went right. Things were good. I'm on the soccer team, Jocelyn agree to stay quiet, and Robert still wasn't home, and I have a really hot boyfriend who has no problem with me being in the closet; I really couldn't complain.
For now.
Dun dun dun!
Thanks again for everything guys! So many reviews and messages were made and im sorry that I haven't gotten back to you, consider this my reply! I hope you enjoyed until next time, have a good fourth of july! It wont be that long til I see you guys again!
Love, animelover796!
