I have no excuse whatsoever as to why I didn't update yesterday. I just didn't, and I am SO SORRY because of it! However, this is part one of the chapter, as it became about 10,000 words and I was like 'meh, I can half this'. So I did. So yes. Part one is below. Part two will either be updated Friday or Monday, depending on how nice I am. My money's on Monday.
Alrighty! I'm in an emoji mood.
Guest: I'm finishing it, don't worry! :)
Scarlettnox140: Aw, thank-you so much! :*
Guest: Yes, the biscuits will be that shape. I guess you guestcorrectly! (As in guessed). I'll let myself out… :/
Guest: Meh. I probably could, but the chapters would be shorter, and I'd hate for them to just be around 1000 words, compared to the length I put them at now. It kind of makes them look pitifully small. But I do realise that a week is a really long time, but at least I don't update monthly like various people I could name *cough* Wattpad users *cough*! :)
Bookthief1317: Actually, I'm not. They don't say the words 'I'm breaking up with you' this chapter, that's the next one. But essentially, the deedis committed this chapter, but part two of this chapter. So the words 'we're breaking up' is two updates away. Does this make sense? No? Meh.
Dancerox1997: Thanks! And everyone always seems to ship Heronstairs the second time through of TID. I don't know why! And actually, I didn't get CoHF on the 27th. I was up at half eight in the morning, outside of Waterstones… nope. I'm British, it was released the day after. So I went up on the 28thoutside Waterstones at half 8… nope. They couldn't sell it until half twoin the afternoon. *sighs* So so done. Apart from that… Gabriel/Will/Jem/Tessa/Cecily tension this chapter! Mwahahahahahahahahaha…! :D
Vialovesbooks: Well, that makes someone happy about the break-up at least! And thank GOD that our (COHF SPOILER) prediction about Alec/Magnus was incorrect. Praise the Lord. And, like stated above, Gabriel/Cecily/Will/Jem/Tessa tension this chapter! Yesss…. :)
TheYAfangirl17: You were… CORRECTAMUNDO! …Is that a word? Meh. Who cares? Not me! And here is the next chapter, surprisingly not on time! (Sarcasm intended)
Lutheish: Let's be honest here; the comic strip in CoHF was one of the best parts of the book. Just yes. Besides, I'm glad you want the Wessa to end in this! It has been so long! ;)
Guest: We got a Sherlock over here! *applauds* No, but seriously? Yes, the story was of Tessa—le immortal gal.
Personorwhatever: Yeah, about that… I'm a 14 year old teenager who would rather listen to classical music than dubstep. Don't mind me! Just… trying to find a life! And also… GOOD LUCK IN YOUR GAME FROM YORKSHIRE! ASFGHJKL! And finally—WHO IS THE PEASANT THAT TOLD YOU TO CALM DOWN OVER CoHF? :/
Grace: Yeah… I didn't know about this. I got up at half eight in the morning to buy CoHF on the 27th. It was there in the store… but not for sale until the 28th. Oh, how happy I was, laughing my way through the FLOOD to get back home.
Nightlock stained lips:You were… CORRECTIMUNDANE! …Oh wow. I'm hilarious. Wow… And please don't be dead. …Please?
Kelly Herondale: I was literally impaled with a silver knife when I read this review. And then I remembered that Jem was supposed to be OOC. Ok, basically, this: Has Jem been OOC the whole story in your opinion? This is because with the fact he is cured and knows he will live for 80 or so more years, he's brighter, happier, louder, etc. If he was OOC the last chapter with the interaction with Cecily and Tess, that was because he hates Gabriel for reasons explained this chapter/soon!
Tami Binx: Thank-you so so so so much! I did put the OC in this chapter because why-not-free-country-meh, but I haven't put her as a love rival or anything like that as... I hate OC's interfering with the love triangle. Especially since the OC always ends up with Jem and Will always gets Tessa and… look at me. Well actually, imagine me. I am a patriarchy-smashing individual and I will not conform to the pressure of peers and society. DOWN WITH SOCIETY! (Oh Gosh, I got distracted) Sorry. Point is, I put her in, but just as a meh, and not an ASDFGHJKL. Yes, that is literally my range of vocabulary. Wow. ;)
TaleofTwoCities: Thank-you! That's all I can reply with!
Guest: YOU HAD ME WORRIED UNTIL I READ CoHF MYSELF AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS ALL LIES! Jeez! :D
Guest: I don't break Will's heart. I break Tessa's. EEEEEYYYYYYYYYY *does that snappy finger thing that you do by shaking your wrist really fast* *clears throat* Sorry. I don't know what was in the muffin I ate, but it was not sugar free.
Guest: You know, I wasn't going too, but just for you, I put in a teensy bit of Jessa romance. And a lot of thoughts. And a lot of socialising. And this is basically a subtle Jessa chapter. (Don't tell the Wessa's, it was meant to be a romantic Wessa chapter but then smuuurrr) I mean, uhh…
Fify: Fanculo il Capitol! Ooh! I like that. A lot. Aha! It stand for FIC! Aha… I don't even know. And also, Guglielmo? I am SOO using that in this fanfic! (OR FIC. Ahaha… STC!) Remind me to use that! Also, here's a question: Do you have roundabouts in Italy? I was discussing Italy with my friends (possibly going to Rome next year w/ the school) and then we got onto roundabouts. You know, like every other normal person would. Aussi (French for also, because I'm smart like that and can obviously speak two languages, which you would know nothing about… aha… damn…) I remember you writing that you're short once. When you go up the stairs, can you go up three at a time? Because I'm short and I can, but then a friend was like all 'Jem wouldn't go up stairs three at a time, blah blah blah' in reference to my last chapter, and now I'm conducting an official survey on the maximum amount of steps people can leap up at a time.
Guest: Will do! See! This is continuing at its worst/best depending-on-your-perception-of-this-fanfic!
YourBestieAlex: Ah, but you see, my dear bestie… Alex, (I'm hilarious) The difference here is that Jem is tall. And if I can get three steps, he can get three steps.
JessaForTheWin: I laughed at all of them. Dear god. Also, if you love Jessa, PREPARE! THE JESSA IS NIGH! ALMOST! SORT OF! OK POSSIBLY IN ABOUT 14 CHAPTERS BUT THAT IS IRRELEVANT!
When Tessa awoke, the first thing she felt was the heavy, dragging feeling in her lower stomach. It was that feeling. The second she felt was the warm and sticky feeling on the inside of her upper thighs and underwear.
Oh God, she thought, carefully rolling out of bed so as not to disturb Will. Please say this isn't happening. Carefully, she peeled back the duvet, to reveal a small patch of blood. Well shit, Tessa sighed to herself, as mortification swept through her.
Of all the bed sheet colours Will could have, why did he have to pick white?
Slowly, she took a deep breath in, but didn't release it. Instead, she grabbed one of Will's t-shirts from the floor —whether it was from yesterday or a week ago, she'd never know. Will's room always seemed to look like a bomb had hit it— and yanked it on, relieved that it more or less covered her decently.
Silently, she slipped out of the room and descended the wooden attic steps, mentally cursing each time they creaked. As she crept down the corridor, she silently praised the fact she knew where Cecily's room was—after all, she'd been in there just yesterday, and her memory wasn't that bad.
"Tessa?" A voice called, splitting the silent hours of the morning. Tessa didn't really have any idea what time it was, in winter it was dark until around 8 in the morning. Was it 2 o'clock? 7 o'clock? She had no idea.
"Gah!" The word slipped from her lips as a shock bolted through her and she whirled around.
Jem smiled bashfully, a blush creeping up onto his cheeks that was presumably because of her attire. "Sorry if I startled you." He apologised. "I was just curious as to why you'd be up at five in the morning."
"Um…" Tessa said as she pulled down the hem of Will's shirt, forever intellectual and well put-together.
Still, if appearances were being mentioned, Jem may as well be described. It was clear he'd just woken up, his hair was messy from sleep and he hadn't yet shaved. He had on a pair of loose grey jogging pants and a casual black t-shirt, plus he was bare-footed.
Tessa found herself pressing down a smile. For someone usually so well presented, crisp and elegant, to be seen out of that state, it was a shock. Jem looked both older and younger— Tessa couldn't decide— but he was definitely adorable.
"Is everything alright? Is it Will?"
Jem's voice brought her back to reality.
"What? Oh, no. Will's fine, I think. I mean, he's asleep." Tessa said quickly. "I'm fine, too."
Jem laughed. "You're not great in the mornings, are you?"
"Besides from looking like a troll and my brain not necessarily working, I'm all good." Tessa responded.
"You look beautiful." Jem told her, before his eyes widened as he realised what he'd said. "I mean, compared to how most people look when they just wake up." He added, running his hand through his hair, attempting to tame it slightly.
"Right." Tessa said.
Silence hung between them, the both of them felt quite awkward.
That's got nothing to do with his innocence, Tessa. He likes you, it's obvious. Isabelle's words of so called 'wisdom' played in her mind.
Shut up, Isabelle, Tessa thought.
"Well, I guess I'm the first to wish you a merry Christmas." Jem said thoughtfully. "So, Merry Christmas, Tessa." He gave her his usual soul-filled smile.
It made Tessa's heart ache. "And a happy new year." She responded with a grin.
"I guess I'll see you later." Jem told her, before turning on his heel and leaving down the corridor.
In a way, Tessa was sad to see him go. "I hope so." She replied.
Damn it. Shut up, me, Tessa thought to herself in frustration, as she practically stormed to Cecily's room. Will. You love Will. Stop finding his para… parib… oh fuck it. Stop finding his brother adorable.
She barged into Cecily's room and slammed the door, causing the younger girl to bolt upright in her bed, her jet black hair somehow perfectly smooth, her face somewhat pristine.
Six-pack, Tessa, she reminded herself, to stop the minor flair of hatred for this supermodel of a sixteen year old forming.
Speaking of said person, her blue eyes were widened and her pupils enlarged from shock. She gave a deep sigh. "Raziel, Tessa, you frightened the life out of me!"
Tessa tried not to laugh at Cecily's expression, which was quickly disappearing into annoyance—presumably because she was rather suddenly awakened at five o'clock in the morning.
"Happy Christmas?" Tessa suggested in an attempt to smooth out the other girl's frown. She succeeded. "Erm, anyway…" This ought to be fun, she thought. "Do you have any panty liners?"
Cecily's face was momentarily confused. "Oh, right. Pads." She didn't however, make any effort to get out of bed. "Bathroom's the door at the very end of the corridor, it's a different colour to the other doors, you can't miss it. The sanitary towels are in the little cupboard above the toilet."
Tessa processed the information. "Right, thanks." She said, walking out of the door and moving to shut it. "You were really helpful." She muttered to herself, a mixture of honesty and sarcasm.
Everyone in this house seemed to have impossibly good hearing. "Do I look like a morning person to you?" Came Cecily's response.
You seem flawless enough, Tessa sighed to herself.
She passed a now dressed and clean-shaven Jem on her quest to the bathroom. He gave her a polite smile. "Bathroom's the one with the white door." He told her.
"Thanks." Tessa told him, opening said door and sighing. There were three medic-cabinets above the toilet.
The first one was full of toothbrush heads, razors, toothpaste, facial cream, etc.
The second one was—Tessa gave a low whistle as it escaped her mouth, which had formed a small 'o' shape.
It was full of pills, row upon row of prescription drugs. She inspected a few labels.
Fluoxetine—For post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ambien— For insomnia.
Xanax—For chronic depression.
And there were so many more, all prescribed for either Jem or Will—or both. Oh God, Tessa thought, about to close the cabinet door, when one particular bottle caught her eyes.
It was glass, green and tiny, stoppered with a cork. 银粉 was scrawled onto a small label next to a toxic symbol. Ever curious, Tessa lifted out the bottle. It seemed to be almost empty, filled with a type of powder. She went to pull off the cork—
"I wouldn't do that, if I were you."
Tessa jumped, almost dropping the bottle. Guilt flooded through her, but also relief—it wasn't Will or Jem at the door. That would have been terrible, Tessa would probably be unable to look them in the eye.
The man was, however, Mr Branwell ('call me Henry, I insist'). Either everyone in this house awoke at absurd times in the morning, or he was on his way to bed. Oil was already streaked across his forehead where he had rubbed the back of his hand, plus his white top was singed.
Tessa liked Henry. He was tall and muscular with a shock of untidy ginger hair, warm hazel eyes and a variety of geometrically patterned waistcoats. Henry was also an inventor, currently working on something, according to Will, called 'the Phosphor', which was the reason for the explosion of all the bulbs in the house the other night.
Henry was kind and welcoming to Tessa, but his head seemed to always be up in the clouds. Now, however, he was very much down on earth, his eyes twinkling with remorse.
"I…" Tessa looked at the bottle. "What is this?" She asked.
"Medicine. Jem no longer needs it, thank the angel, but he kept it so—"
"Medicine? But it's toxic." Tessa mused quietly, tracing the foreign writing.
"It can kill you eventually, yes." Henry informed her.
"Then how can it make someone better?" Tessa pointed out with a frown.
"Not all medicine makes people better. Did Jem tell you about his past?"
"Um…" A blush crept onto Tessa's face. Jem hadn't exactly provided the details about his past. Wikipedia had. "I know about it."
Henry nodded sadly. "That's the Yin Fen."
"Oh." Said Tessa quietly.
"I wouldn't mention all this," Henry gestured to the rows of pills, "to the boys if I were you. They don't need most of them anymore, but you never know when they might come in handy."
Tessa nodded, silent.
He gave her a smile, before grabbing one of the towels hanging on the back of the door. "Happy Christmas, by the way." He disappeared.
They don't need most of them anymore.
Then what did they still need?
Tessa slammed the cabinet door shut, grabbed what she needed from the third cabinet, and darted upstairs, the little green bottle still in her hand. Why, she didn't know.
She smiled as she entered Will's bedroom. He was still asleep, his violet eyes hidden from view, his black curls draping down his face adorably. He looked so innocent when he was asleep, Tessa realised. All the responsibility he found necessary to carry with him and bear was gone when he was unconscious.
Tessa looked at the clock. It was twenty minutes to six, but she wasn't tired at all. Her attention wasn't on Will, or the bed, but rather the many, many photos plastered onto the wall.
Tessa smiled as she inspected a few.
Will holding a young baby— she guessed it was Cecily. Will was young himself, his face still held that childish roundness that she found adorable.
She glanced at another. Will around eight years old, scowling viciously, his arms crossed upon his chest. Cecily was just beside him and slightly in front, laughing at him. Her hair was wavy and frizzy, not pin-straight like Tessa was used to. Tessa smiled. If Cecily had Will's hair, she probably had to straighten the hell out of it every morning.
But there was an older girl in the picture, one who looked more unlike Will than Cecily did. Her hair was in a messy side-bun and it was the same inky-black as the other Herondales. But her eyes were very light, almost apatite. Her jaw was more angular and her nose was smaller. She had the Herondale smile though—all teeth and a blinding happiness about it. That kind of smile couldn't be faked.
The girl was in many more pictures, so suddenly, realisation crashed upon Tessa. That was Ella, the older sibling Cecily had talked about. Tessa was curious as to how she'd died, but Cecily hadn't said, so she certainly hadn't asked.
There was only one picture of whom Tessa presumed to be Will's parents. They were standing atop a curved mountain, a sense of accomplishment on both their faces, arms wrapped in a strong embrace whilst a young Ella held a baby Will in her arms. The woman looked exactly like all the Herondale children did—black hair, pale skin, blue eyes. The man had the same build that Will did now, but his hair was a blond and his eyes were light blue, like Ella's.
There were so many of Cecily, Jem and Will, though.
There was Cecily in a blue and silver chiffon dress with a slit to her upper thigh. A dress designed for dancing. A silver Jem was beside her, sporting a grey suit with a blue tie the same colour as Cecily's eyes. Tessa gave a smile at that. Cecily's dress had the silver accents on purpose, so she'd match Jem's features. They were obviously dancing partners, but what for?
Another was of Jem and Will. Will was shirtless, pointing to and smirking at a tattoo on his chest. Tessa had noticed it before, but tended to pay more attention to the Welsh dragon design (it was placed in a more… interesting location, ok? Let's just leave it at that), never the tribal swirl over his heart. Jem's hair was dark, streaked with thick strokes of silver, his eyes rings of mercury and black. He, unlike his companion, was wearing a top.
Tessa spotted one of two boys in school uniform. Will's tie was very short, his top two shirt buttons were undone, and his blazer was just visible—peeking out of his backpack. Tessa smiled. Blazers were meant to be kept on, ties had to be a suitable length, and all shirt buttons must be closed, in her knowledge. And surely enough, Jem's uniform was just that, the stark black making him look paler.
There was a more recent one with the boy's looking as she'd known them when she'd properly met them. Jem's cheeks were scarred, his hair ebony streaked with silver, his skin tanned and his eyes bronze-black. Will's eyes weren't as guarded as they had been in earlier photographs, his arm casually swung around Jem's with the ease and almost laziness she knew he had when he was relaxed. They were outside Java Jones in NYC, the familiarity of it giving Tessa a painful stab in the heart.
There was one pinned right next to it that looked slightly blurred, as if someone (Tessa would guess Jem, as he wasn't in the photo) had snapped it with the intent of hurriedly capturing Will's expression. There was someone dressed in a duck mascot outfit also in the shot. Will's eyes were filled with loathing, fear and disgust. Tessa laughed slightly to herself at her boyfriend's irrational fear of ducks.
"That was a serious matter, Miss Gray. I don't know what you find so funny." Will's voice, from right behind her, made her jump. "Will you please remind me as to why you're up at quarter past six in the morning?"
Because Tessa was adept at socialising and a master of conversation, she managed to evade the topic. "Um…" Full marks, Theresa. Full marks, she told herself.
Will didn't press the topic, but did arch a dark eyebrow. Tessa sighed. Even when he'd just tumbled out of bed, he looked like a model. Was it a trait of the Herondale's? Jem had looked like anyone else upon waking up. Will? Pffftt. "There's blood on the sheets." He informed her, dropping the eyebrow and allowing his tone to become caring. "Are you alright?"
"Um…" Keep that articulate manner coming, Tessa. "Fine." She realised she was holding the pads in her hand and blushed even darker. She grabbed a pair of underwear, a top, and jeans from her suitcase, open at the foot of the bed, and darted into the bathroom.
"You should wear that top often. It suits you." Will called to her as she bolted the door.
Tessa honestly couldn't tell whether he was being serious or not.
Breakfast was simple enough. Cecily, Will and Jem had been talking animatedly about something, laughing every now and then between them. Henry and Charlotte had been discussing plans for the dance tonight.
Tessa was realising how big of a deal it was. She'd known it was important, but when she'd overheard that Mr Glacewood of the Canadian institute was unable to attend, Tessa realised the magnitude of the event. People—or shadowhunters, as Tessa knew to call them—would be attending from across the globe.
Tessa had been sat quietly, not absorbed in either conversation, just thinking about that little green bottle she had in her suitcase. She didn't know why she'd taken it and the guilt was pressing down on her, but she hadn't a free moment to return it to its shelf in the cabinet.
"Jem, were you aware that your Uncle and cousins would be attending tonight?" Charlotte asked a shocked Jem.
"Elias?" He finally responded.
Charlotte nodded.
Jem sighed. "Very well. No, I had no idea. He hadn't thought to tell me when we last spoke." He replied nonchalantly.
"And when was that?" Will asked pointedly.
"New York." Jem said shortly, clearly closing the topic. "Though if we're on the subject on family, it's worth asking if your family will be attending." His words were warm again.
Both Herondale's snorted.
Jem shared a knowing look with Will and he grinned, which Will returned.
"Would you excuse us for a moment?" Jem asked politely, taking another drink of his tea.
"Of course, but whatever for?" Charlotte inquired.
Will gave a smile, and not a polite one either. It was mischievous and devilish, the smile Lucifer would have given before he fell from heaven*. "Presents." He replied simply.
"You know, speaking of gifts, I couldn't get you your favourite thing for Christmas, Will." Cecily commented.
"Oh." Will replied, his expression one that was thoughtful. He was probably trying to remember what his favourite thing was. "…Remind me what my favourite thing is?"
"Demon pox." Cecily replied casually, and though her expression was bored, her eyes were bright with amusement.
Will spat out his tea. It was the kind of spit that went everywhere; the table, the floor, and even into the original cup he'd been drinking out of. It was the kind that travelled such a distance that you felt it was necessary to applaud the spitter.
"Well, I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I'm sincerely glad you weren't able to get it." Will responded after recovering.
"Demon pox," Jem spoke slowly, "does not exist."
"Oh, ye of little faith." Will sighed melodramatically, standing as he did.
Jem stood also.
"Demon pox?" Tessa asked. "What's that, a more intense chicken pox?"
Everyone except Will and Tessa groaned. Will gave the smile reminiscent of Lucifer again, and began to recite in the tone of an excited child—"Demon pox, oh demon pox, just how is it acquired?"
Jem began to walk towards Will.
"—One must go down to the bad part of town, until one is very tired,"
Jem seized Will's arm and practically dragged him from the dining room, with Will still sprouting the ridiculous song.
"Demon pox?" Tessa questioned again.
Henry, who was currently reading the paper, gave a sigh, a fatherly look on his face. "If I were you, my dear, I wouldn't ask."
It was early afternoon now. Charlotte and Henry were busy with preparations for the evening ahead ('don't be silly, you're a guest! You shouldn't have to help! Will, get over here, I need your help with the piano') and Jem and Cecily had gone off to God-knows-where.
Tessa and Will had been watching Home Alone, which, according to Will, was on every Christmas and Boxing Day in the U.K. Tessa had been to the bathroom during the add-break, and had emerged to find the 60-second-news just ending and Will looking like he'd been subjected to Medusa whilst sitting on the sofa—his expression was frozen, all the colour drained from his face.
"Will?" Tessa asked.
He jumped. "Tess! Hi! Hey! Um… The ads are still on." He was slowly regaining his composure.
"Are you alright?" Tessa asked worriedly.
His eyes looked like a defensive lockdown panel had been activated over them. They immediately hardened and turned cold. "Fine. Just great." He responded coolly.
"You're… you're not acting like you're okay." Tessa pointed out.
Will clenched his jaw. "Unexpected news story, that's all." He took a deep breath and relaxed, his eyes warming. "See? I'm fine." He gave her a smile.
Tessa fell for it. "Oh good, you had me worried."
Will gave a signature smirk. "Come on, it's Christmas, and I've not eaten a load of junk food and at least 4000 calories yet. Let's grab some lunch."
Tessa gave a smile. "You eat a load of junk food every day. Tell me, how's the dare from Jem going?"
Will scowled. "Great. It's going brilliantly." He raised an eyebrow at her as the duo made their way to the kitchen.
Tessa turned her head at the laughter from the hall. Will paused his raid of the fridge. "Cecy?" He yelled.
"Yeah?" Came the loud response, followed by two pairs of footsteps and the clacking of high heels.
Jem and Cecily entered the kitchen. Cecily's cheeks were slightly pink and both her and Jem's breathing was slightly heavier than average. There was a twinkle of amusement in their eyes and it was clear that the two of them had found something very funny.
Cecily had changed from her breakfast attire. She was wearing a truffle-brown tennis skirt and a tight black top, hugging her in every single place. For Cecily, the look was pretty simple and run-down, but of course, she still managed to look flawless. Her shoes, however, looked like they were from a volcano; bronze, gold, black and sky-high. They screamed danger. And money. Definitely money. But mostly danger.
Will took in his sister's appearance and gave a disapproving scowl.
"Did you want me?" Cecily asked, her eyes glaring at his look of disapproval.
Will's eyes met his sister's. "It doesn't matter." He said softly. "I'll tell you after, okay?"
Cecily shrugged. "Sure."
"ButCecily Herondale. What in God's name are you wearing?" Will pointed out. "If you think you're wearing that tonight, you can think again."
Cecily laughed. "Don't be an idiot, Will." Cecily sighed. "As if I'd practise dancing in my outfit for tonight."
Will looked relieved.
"However," Cecily continued, "if you don't like what I'm wearing now then I guess you're not going to be a fan of what I'm wearing later."
Will gave a noise like a growl.
Cecily laughed. "Oh Will, don't be so melodramatic." She chimed. "I mean, the dress is down to here," she pointed to her upper thigh, "and the neck line only goes down to here," She pointed in the midst of her chest, "and it's only the back that's cut away. Oh, and the stomach. And it's strapless. But apart from that—"
Will rounded on Jem. "You're letting her wear that?"
Jem and Cecily burst out laughing. "You're too gullible, Will." Jem choked out in between laughter.
"But," Cecily taunted, "we are doing a Salsa. I won't be in the most covering gown, either."
Will clamped his jaw together.
Jem and Cecily snickered.
"Did I miss something?" Tessa asked as Jem reached into the top shelf of the fridge.
"What? Oh, the Salsa?" Jem realised. "Did Will not tell you? The ball has a dance competition. Cecily and I entered once for fun. It was pretty good, so now we have a shot every year."
"And they always win." Will muttered.
"Did I catch… jealously there, William?" Jem asked, removing the towel from the top of the tray that he'd been holding.
"Are those biscuits?" Will inquired hungrily, quickly changing the subject, grabbing one before Jem could stop him.
"Indeed." Jem replied with a grin. "I think you'll like the design on them."
Will, who had just been about to devour the whole thing, inspected the biscuit closely. Then he swore in what Tessa suspected was Welsh, although it sounded slightly Swedish, and dropped the biscuit on the floor, where it broke.
Jem gave a tut. "Waste of a biscuit." He scolded Will mockingly. "There are children starving in other countries."
"Then send it over to them." Will responded coolly, glaring down at the biscuit. "Ducks." He spat. "Bloodthirsty—"
"—little beasts, yes, Will, we know." Cecily completed Will's sentence with a sigh, picking up a biscuit. "Besides, aren't you banned from eating Jem's food? That was your dare, wasn't it?"
Will gave his sister a scowl as she bit into the 'duck'.
"Are those cookies?" Tessa asked with interest. Since she hated chocolate, cookies were practically her life.
"Shortbread, last time I checked." Jem told her. "And by checked, I of course mean ate them."
"Definitely shortbread." Cecily told Jem as she picked up another biscuit. "I swear I could live off these."
With a melodramatic sigh, Will retrieved an orange from the fruit bowl and began to peel it.
Jem rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't eat them anyway, Will. They're duck-shaped."
Will copied his friend's eye-roll. "That's what you said about poultry. I eat that alright."
"True." Jem allowed.
Tessa was still confused by Jem's answer earlier. "Short-bread?" She asked, picking up a cookie. "What's short about it?"
"It's a type of biscuit." Jem told her, his expression surprised. "Have you never tried it?"
Tessa glanced up from her cookie-inspection, looking at Jem like he'd spoken flawless, but incomprehensible, Chinese. "Biscuit?" She repeated.
Jem and Cecily were blank-faced with confusion. Will gave a cough that sounded like 'American', which caused Jem and Cecily to erupt into a fit of laughter. Tessa took a bite of the so-called-biscuit.
"Oh come on." Cecily told her. "You are not telling me that…" She was unable to control her laughter.
Jem managed to stop first, just as Tessa gave her answer. "That we call them cookies in America?" Tessa finished. "Yep."
"But…" Cecily glanced at Will. "Does that mean they only have cookies as biscuits? They don't have digestives or hob-nobs or—"
"Hob-nobs?" Tessa interrupted incredulously. "You're not telling me that that's seriously a type of cookie—"
"Biscuit." Corrected the other three loudly.
"Oh, says the two Welsh people and the boy who's half-Chinese." Tessa argued.
"Wales is in Britain." The Herondale's responded automatically.
Jem gave a shrug. "And I've lived here for six years or so…" He trailed off.
"Christ." Will picked up. "We've only been parabatai for four years."
Jem looked slightly amazed. "It feels like longer."
Both Jem and Will were silent for a minute, thinking about parabatai.
While Jem was silent and distracted, Will seized his opportunity. He grabbed a biscuit and shoved it into his mouth in one.
"A-ha!" Jem proclaimed. "You, William Owen Herondale, have lost the bet!"
Will swallowed the biscuit. "Stuff the bet. You're cooking's too good."
"He admits it, does he?" Cecily asked with a smirk.
Will gave a shrug. "Who cares? I can eat healthily for a whole year now."
"We're even." Jem told Will. "We've both failed one each."
Will responded by eating yet another biscuit. Judging by the so-far-positive biscuit feedback, Tessa nervously bit into one and felt her mouth melt. "God," she said to Will, her mouth full, "how did you last almost a whole month without his cooking?"
The two boys laughed, whilst Cecily just shook her head in amusement.
Ta-da! Part 2 of this chapter will be uploaded soon.
Le question of doom: Why do you think Will was shocked about the TV? :o
M'kay, bye!