FYI I'm going to kind of ditch the bet idea because as you can see it's not really working with the story… I will come up with a way to let it go in a good way… I already have great, mushy, cute ideas so fear not!

Yoitsyourstruly, OHMYGOD your review made 10 of my days! I would say I love you but it's a bit soon…;) Yes I definitely need help, I hope you like this chapter! I hated Nate as well! He was always so selfish… I'm trying to make him okay in this story though, mostly pitiful…

1FanGirlGeek, thanks that's really encouraging!

AWWWW YOU ARE SO SWEET! Wow, you screamed in public huh? I am pretty awesome… I am sooo glad you liked the gang idea…I wasn't sure if people would…

I haven't done a disclaimer in ages so:

I don't own the characters or anything that Cassandra Clare came up with!

….

Previously…

And because of his cowardice and stupidity his entire family had been at risk.

If he hadn't joined his mother would be alive.

Tessa would be happier.

His dad would be with them, and his family would all be together. Happy.

But they weren't, and it was his fault.

….

Will sat at his desk staring at his name and a title on a word document. Their English teacher had just given another project with close to no guidance, and he was finding it hard to focus on something he wasn't very passionate about. His mind drifted slowly and landed on Sophie's obvious crush on Jem, and he smiled inwardly thinking of her bright red cheeks every time Jem walked in the room. To tell the truth, Jem wasn't much better; he was so hesitant and unsure of himself around her, always very obviously doing his best to make her laugh. Will chuckled to himself, they were both so blind…But Will could also tell that something was going on between Jem and Tessa, she clearly had a huge crush on him. Will frowned slightly, as he realized that Jem seemed to reciprocate her feelings.

…...

Tessa's eyes flew open, as she sprung up in bed, panting and cold sweat coating her forehead lightly. The image of her mother hanging from the ceiling blood dripping from her nose, her ears, her lips, her eyelashes, her shoulders, her feet, her hands. Her eyes still wide open, as well as her mouth, an emoticon of fear, dread, terror, desperation. Blood layered her mothers' face, and Tessa could barely recognise her, yet this was the only face Tessa could associate with her mother now, her caring, loving, kind and gentle mother. Now all Tessa could picture were the wide cuts that lined her cheeks, arms, legs, stomach, anywhere that could be sliced open had been cut. Her mother.

Tessa put her hands to her face, trying to calm herself and rid herself of the image of her mom. Trying to distract herself, Tessa let herself think of something she hadn't allowed to cross her mind since she arrived here. Will. Her favourite image of him laughing crossed her mind, and she smiled. But slowly her mind travels deeper, into his wit and humour and love of English, so much like hers. It scared her that although she was often annoyed and frustrated with Will he also understood her in a way no one else could. She glanced at her phone, tempted to call him… It made sense, he would be worried, and he would be less suspicious if she called…

Before she could change her mind she grabbed her phone and dialled his number. Holding the phone to her ear, she couldn't stop thinking of reasons this was a bad idea, she didn't even know what she planned to say. The phone rang, as Tessa became more and more nervous but there was no way she could hang up now. She imagined that she hoped he wouldn't pick up, as it was the logical thing to want, but all she really wanted was to talk to him, to create more memories of their banter and laughs. The phone rang and images of Tessa's mum started to creep back. Tessa tried to focus on the ringing, closing her eyes and squeezing them tight, but scarlet drops crept behind her lids.

"Hello?" Will's voice was slurred with sleep, and she heard him yawn. "Whoever this is, you called in the middle of the night, it's pretty rude not to answer now." Tessa smiled, images of her mum completely forgotten.

"Will? It's Tessa." There was silence, and Tessa bit her lip panicking slightly.

…...

Will's mouth dropped open. But he quickly recovered as worry, anger and panic filled him. He knew she was okay if she was calling but he hadn't spoke to her in so long it felt as if they had limited time. "Tessa? Are you okay? Where are you? Why haven't you picked up our calls?"

"Will, I'm fine, I'm sorry I haven't picked up your calls, I um…lost my phone for a while." Tessa sounded fine, although her voice was shaking so slightly he wasn't sure if he had heard right. Will closed his eyes slightly, relief replacing all other emotions.

"How come you left?"

"Family emergency."

"Is everything ok?"

"Yes, we should be back soon."

"So where are you?"

"Southampton."

"Southampton?" Will narrowed his eyes even though she couldn't see. He knew she was in Brighton, although it was vaguely possible that the lady had heard wrong, his instincts told him she was lying. "Who are you with in Southampton?"

"Just some family, Will I know you probably have lots of questions but can we talk about it later?"

"Sure, it's just I heard you were in Brighton." Silence rose heavily.

"Where did you hear that?"

"Your beautiful neighbour."

"I was in Brighton for a while and then I came to Southampton."

"Oh really? Quite a trek, isn't it?"

Tessa sighed audibly. "Yes, it is. Sorry I woke you up, how are Jem and Sophie?"

Will noticed the subject change but let it go, sensing she wasn't in the mood to be interrogated. It really wasn't his business anyway… "They are good. We were all worried about you, they will be glad to know you're okay."

"I'm sorry I worried you guys. So how's school?"

Will clucked his tongue, smiling to himself. "Typical Tessa, can't go long before asking about school." Tessa laughed, and Will's smile widened considerably. "School is awful, we just got this huge project in English."

"I'm going to have so much catch up!"

Will chuckled. "You'll be fine. I'm sure they can make an exception for you, and if they don't I'll help."

Tessa groaned. "I can imagine you winking as if you're doing it in front of me."

Will laughed, and they continued talking until the early hours of the morning.

….

Nate, Tessa and Aunt Harriet were sitting at the table when they heard the doorbell ring. Aunt Harriet quickly got up to open it, and her eyes widened as she realized who it was. He wrapped his arms around her gently before walking past her into the house to see his children.