p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The incessant beep of the alarm clock pulled Alec from his sleep. Rolling over on his bed he grabbed his phone checking the time; 7:00. Alec groaned before sitting up in bed, the sheets falling into his lap. He reached up and rubbed his eyes, running his hand through his hair. Alec didn't have class until 8:30am but wanted to shower and get ready before Jace woke up, his classes starting later than Alec. Peeling back the covers Alec carefully swung his legs over the bed, leaning over to his drawers and grabbed a long sleeved grey baggy sweatshirt and a pair of black jeans. He tiptoed towards the bathroom and quietly opened the door shutting it after him. He shuffled over to the sink and paused; dark bags had gathered under Alec's eyes his skin a pale colour. Alec looked up and caught his blue eyes in the mirror, he quickly shut them and looked away. Alec hadn't slept particularly well the night before, a new bed and a stranger in the room did not help his stress levels. Alec pulled off his PJ's and jumped into the shower. The warm water instantly decreasing his anxiety, abet only slightly. Alec rubbed a hand down his face, today was the first day of lessons. He immediately felt his stress level shoot up; classes meant people, and lots of them. Alec gave a large sigh before stepping out of the shower. He picked his new clothes off the floor and quickly got changed. Alec just stood in the bathroom for a minute, trying to prepare himself for the day, instinctively Alec's hand wrapped round his left wrist, rubbing it slightly. He shock his head and nipped out of the bathroom, careful not to wake to still sleeping Jace. He slowly walked over to his desk and checked his phone; 7:15, Alec had clearly been in the shower longer than he thought. He snatched up the phone and exited the room./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alec took a slow walk towards the campus looking down at his phone. Izzy had sent Alec a text in the morning, just checking in making sure he was okay. He quickly texted her a response about how he was fine and really enjoying Uni life so far; a lie. Something Alec had perfected doing over the last year whether it was to others or himself. He shoved the phone into his pocket and took of down the road. When Alec arrived at the campus he quickly grabbed a coffee, he found a small empty table and sat down, killing some time before leaving for class. Alec looked out into the room, a few students were wandering around, early morning classes. As Alec observed the students, a thought appeared into his mind; I wonder if Magnus goes here? When he got back to his room Alec didn't have much time to think about the event at the Cafe. The guy was like nothing Alec had seen before, all the boys at his private school were all the same; rich, rude and obnoxious. Magnus seemed different, he had a strange confidences to himself but not in a obnoxious way. Alec squeezed his eyes shut. What was he doing? They had spoken for a few minuets, the guy was probably just interested in his seat, and even so what did Alec care? It was like he was interested in him. Alec could feel the onsets of a headache coming on, he downed his coffee and headed off towards class. By the time Alec arrived at the room there was only a few minutes to spare. A few students had started to take there seats near the front. Alec walked to the far back of the room, slotting into a seat at the end of the row. He pulled out his books and started to set up his desk. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Told you the cute ones go to the University" Alec's head shot up from his desk, In front of his stood the last person he thought he would see; Magnus Bane. He was dressed in skinny maroon jeans and a black top which had the words 'Hands off' in jewels of different colours. The boy wore a large bright smile, his eyes shinning. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Magnus" The words came out in a rush, Magnus gave Alec a mischievous wink before sitting down in the seat in front. Alec cursed to himself, he just wanted to get through the lecture with his head down. Alec considered moving seats, just picking up his stuff and moving to the other side. Before he could make any decision Magnus turned around./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I was worried that there wouldn't be any hot guys in the class but It appears I was wrong" Alec felt his cheeks heating up, he tried to avert his gaze from Magnus, choosing to look at the far less interesting books on his table. What was wrong with him? Why did Magnus make him so nervous. As if Magnus could read his mind he spoke up again "Are you always this nervous?" Alec slowly looked up from his desk, Magnus was looking at him with a large grin clearly finding the whole situation amusing. "I must say I didn't picture you as a criminal law student, I was think more-"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"A loud booming voice cut of Magnus, he gave Alec a finale smile before turning around the face the front. "Good morning class I am professor Starkweather!" The blonde teacher placed his brief case on the table, opening it and grabbing out bits of paper./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"While the teacher was setting up Magnus quickly turned around, finding Alec's eye line "I Guess we'll have to carry on this conversation at a later date" He gave a cheeky smile before spinning round to face the front. What was it with this guy, why wouldn't he leave Alec alone? He wasn't interested. Alec looked down at his desk, colouring in the margins in his text book with his pencil. Alec wasn't interested. He repeated it over and over in his head. Over the last day Alec had repeated many things over in his mind; This was a fresh start, don't think about it, you're fine, you're not interested. He wondered about how many of these were actually true. Alec wasn't interested, he couldn't, he wasn't. He was just stressed and his mind was confused. Alec squeezed harder on the pencil, not really paying attention to the teacher. He sighed; he needed to pay attention, he had read ahead over the holidays but still needed to be taking notes and asking questions. He had to make up for everything he had done, he owed his parents that much, not that it would change anything but at least it was something. As on queue of mentioning his parents Alec felt his body tense, a feeling of guilt and anger washing over him. Alec looked up from the desk to see what he had missed./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Blood. Blood everywhere. Alec felt the colour drain from his face, his already pale skin becoming almost translucent. His knuckles wrapped around the pencil tightly, his knuckles turning a piercing white. On the screen at the front of the classroom was a large image of what looked like a man lying on the floor, his arms and legs spread out, a large pool of thick blood surrounding him; on his clothes, face, body. Alec could see the teachers mouth moving but heard nothing, the world going deathly silence. Alec squeezed his eyes shut, dropping his pencil on the table bring them up to rub his eyes. He opened his eyes again, the whole room was turned and facing him, the teacher looking up at him with a odd expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alexander Lightwood?" Alec just looked at the teacher unsure what was happening, his mind was spinning, everything feeling slightly fuzzy like he was drunk. "So what would you; as a criminal defence lawyer use from the evidence photo to help your client?" Alec has no idea what was going on; what client? He tried to say something but nothing came out, Alec gripped his hands on the the edge of his desk, trying to stop them from shaking. The teacher just looked at him, he opened his mouth to say something when a voice cut him off./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well the fact that the blood is smeared on the ground suggest the body has been moved postmortem I would say that our client who is a young female couldn't of possibly moved the body that far by herself? Theres only one set of foot prints so it must have been one person; thus not our client?" Magnus recited the information without difficulty, the teacher looked from Alec then back to Magnus. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thankyou-"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Magnus, Magnus Bane" Magnus gave a wave of his hand./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well that was a good observation Magnus, and Alexander don't be afraid to speak up next time" The teacher gave Alec a finale look of concern before changing the slide to some writing which Alec could no longer see, his vision blurred from unshed tears./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Saved your bacon there" Magnus whispered from his seat in front, he turned his head to face Alec "think you owe-Alexander you okay?" Alec's eyes were still attached to the screen at the front his breath coming out in short bursts. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alexander?" Alec finally tore his eyes from the screen, Magnus was almost fully turned in his seat. He was looking up at Alec with a troubled look on his face, his usual cheeky smile all but gone. He looked down at Magnus, everything finally become to much for Alec, he frantically stood un in his seat, not bothering to grab his books or bag and took off down the lecture hall stairs. He pushed open the double doors and rushed down the hall. Alec noticed a bathroom on the left and dived in, throwing the door open. Alec felt his knees beginning to shake, he stubbled towards the sink and managed to grab the edge before his leg gave way. Alec's arms were shaking from the pressure, he quickly released one arm and turned on the tap. The rushing water splashed off the sink. Alec placed his shaking hands under the water, bringing it to his face, the droplets felt icy against his sweaty skin. The water was doing nothing, he shut the tap off and leaned against the sink trying to get his breathing under control; not now, not now, not now. Shit. Shit. Shit. Alec's rapid breathing increased, his vision started to blur again. He gripped thighed onto the sink, convinced if he held it any tighter it would break. Alec stumbled back from the sink, crashing into one of the toilet stall doors. As soon as he closed the door behind him his knees collapsed beneath him. He throw open the toilet seat lid and heaved up the coffee he had this morning. Alec continued the throw up until there was nothing, he carried on dry heavy until he finally fell against the door behind him. Alec breathed hard, his head resting against the door, his eyes shut. Alec didn't make any attempt to move from his position, to scared it would cause him to throw up again. Alec moved his legs out from beneath him, stretching them out in front of him. He brought his hands up to his face, running it through his hair. Alec kicked out at the toilet seat. He paused before kicking it again and again until his legs felt weak, he felt a small tear escaping his eye running down his check. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He needed to be better than this. He felt pathetic, he was. His second day at University and he was sat on the floor of the bathroom, a toilet full of sick in front of him. Alec could feel more tears pricking the corner of his eyes. He looked up at the celling trying to blink them away, he was not going to cry. He was 18 years old. Alec needed to get a hold of himself. He was meant to be here to get his qualifications; He had sworn to his parents that he would try his hardest and get all the highest grades, trying to make up for his failure in his SAT's. After that he was to get a high paying job and then marry a nice 'acceptable' girl and have a family. That was his parents plan for him, what he has been working towards his whole life. Alec felt himself feeling sick again. He owed this to them. He had to do it for them. Alec was about to push himself off the floor when he got a unsettling feeling in his stomach. He didn't want to go back in. What would they all think? What if they tried to ask him what happened? What would he say? The truth. The thought of that made Alec lurch forward and grab the rim of the toilet seat fearing he would throw up again. The truth, Alec shock his head, pushing that thought out of his head. They couldn't know, none of them could. Alec fell back on his feet, he dug into his pocket and pulled out his phone, he hit speed dial one. The phone rang for a moment before Izzy picked up./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alec?" She sounded surprised to hear from him, this didn't surprise Alec. He rarely rang Izzy, she usually having to be the one to initiate the conversation/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hey Izzy" Alec's voice sounded hoarse, he flinched at how weak he sounded./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Everything alright?" Izzy instantly picked up on it, her voice dripping with concern for her older brother./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah I'm fine, I just thought I'd ring to see how you are?" He tried to reposition himself on the floor. Resting his back against the door, stretching his legs fully out in front of him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah I'm good, were just at break now, I'm already done with this day." Izzy continued to talk about her day; what she had done, what she was going to do. Alec felt himself relaxing, his breath evening out. A short while ago Alec would of dealt with this in a very different way; his free hand wrapping protectively around his left wrist. He as trying to be better. Listening to Izzy helped, she talked with such optimism that it made Alec feel hopefully. Hopefully that things could go back to the way they were. Alec listened to Izzy talk for what felt his hours, his little sister talking about anything and everything; like she knew its what he needed. After a while, Izzy had to go back to class. The siblings said goodbye and Izzy said she would call him later. Alec rose from the floor putting the phone back into his pocket. He flushed the toilet and staggered out of the stall. Avoiding his gaze in the mirror Alec walked out of the bathroom. The hallway was now filled with people. He strode down the hallway towards his class, as he approached, Alec saw people pouring out of the room. He paused at the end of the hallway waiting for them to clear. Once it was empty Alec pulled opened the doors and entered the room. He walked up towards his stuff, his bags and books in the same position as he left it. Alec grabbed his book and shoved it into his bag. He picked his note pad up to place in the bag when something fell out. Alec bent down, a small yellow post it note laid on the floor by Alec's feet. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"'If you need to catch up on the notes, feel free to call me - Magnus Bane' The note was written in a blue pen, the writing sophisticated and neat. At the bottom of the note was a number. Alec looked down at the paper. He shoved the note into his pocket, deciding to deal with it later and carried on putting his stuff away. Once he was done he took off down that stairs./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Luckily Alec had no more classes for the day so opted to head back to his room, looking forward to the piece and quite. As he was walking down the street his hand went into his pocket, pulling out the crumpled note. Alec looked down at it. Magnus Bane. The name caused Alec to feel a flutter in his chest. He took another look at the note and put it back. He should just throw it away, he wasn't going to use it. He wasn't going to call him. Alec sighed, he just needed to forget about him, however something inside Alec told him that would be easier said than done, Magnus Bane seemed like a person that was not easily forgotten./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alec took a slow walk towards the campus looking down at his phone. Izzy had sent Alec a text in the morning, just checking in making sure he was okay. He quickly texted her a response about how he was fine and really enjoying Uni life so far; a lie. Something Alec had perfected doing over the last year whether it was to others or himself. He shoved the phone into his pocket and took of down the road. When Alec arrived at the campus he quickly grabbed a coffee, he found a small empty table and sat down, killing some time before leaving for class. Alec looked out into the room, a few students were wandering around, early morning classes. As Alec observed the students, a thought appeared into his mind; I wonder if Magnus goes here? When he got back to his room Alec didn't have much time to think about the event at the Cafe. The guy was like nothing Alec had seen before, all the boys at his private school were all the same; rich, rude and obnoxious. Magnus seemed different, he had a strange confidences to himself but not in a obnoxious way. Alec squeezed his eyes shut. What was he doing? They had spoken for a few minuets, the guy was probably just interested in his seat, and even so what did Alec care? It was like he was interested in him. Alec could feel the onsets of a headache coming on, he downed his coffee and headed off towards class. By the time Alec arrived at the room there was only a few minutes to spare. A few students had started to take there seats near the front. Alec walked to the far back of the room, slotting into a seat at the end of the row. He pulled out his books and started to set up his desk. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Told you the cute ones go to the University" Alec's head shot up from his desk, In front of his stood the last person he thought he would see; Magnus Bane. He was dressed in skinny maroon jeans and a black top which had the words 'Hands off' in jewels of different colours. The boy wore a large bright smile, his eyes shinning. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Magnus" The words came out in a rush, Magnus gave Alec a mischievous wink before sitting down in the seat in front. Alec cursed to himself, he just wanted to get through the lecture with his head down. Alec considered moving seats, just picking up his stuff and moving to the other side. Before he could make any decision Magnus turned around./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I was worried that there wouldn't be any hot guys in the class but It appears I was wrong" Alec felt his cheeks heating up, he tried to avert his gaze from Magnus, choosing to look at the far less interesting books on his table. What was wrong with him? Why did Magnus make him so nervous. As if Magnus could read his mind he spoke up again "Are you always this nervous?" Alec slowly looked up from his desk, Magnus was looking at him with a large grin clearly finding the whole situation amusing. "I must say I didn't picture you as a criminal law student, I was think more-"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"A loud booming voice cut of Magnus, he gave Alec a finale smile before turning around the face the front. "Good morning class I am professor Starkweather!" The blonde teacher placed his brief case on the table, opening it and grabbing out bits of paper./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"While the teacher was setting up Magnus quickly turned around, finding Alec's eye line "I Guess we'll have to carry on this conversation at a later date" He gave a cheeky smile before spinning round to face the front. What was it with this guy, why wouldn't he leave Alec alone? He wasn't interested. Alec looked down at his desk, colouring in the margins in his text book with his pencil. Alec wasn't interested. He repeated it over and over in his head. Over the last day Alec had repeated many things over in his mind; This was a fresh start, don't think about it, you're fine, you're not interested. He wondered about how many of these were actually true. Alec wasn't interested, he couldn't, he wasn't. He was just stressed and his mind was confused. Alec squeezed harder on the pencil, not really paying attention to the teacher. He sighed; he needed to pay attention, he had read ahead over the holidays but still needed to be taking notes and asking questions. He had to make up for everything he had done, he owed his parents that much, not that it would change anything but at least it was something. As on queue of mentioning his parents Alec felt his body tense, a feeling of guilt and anger washing over him. Alec looked up from the desk to see what he had missed./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Blood. Blood everywhere. Alec felt the colour drain from his face, his already pale skin becoming almost translucent. His knuckles wrapped around the pencil tightly, his knuckles turning a piercing white. On the screen at the front of the classroom was a large image of what looked like a man lying on the floor, his arms and legs spread out, a large pool of thick blood surrounding him; on his clothes, face, body. Alec could see the teachers mouth moving but heard nothing, the world going deathly silence. Alec squeezed his eyes shut, dropping his pencil on the table bring them up to rub his eyes. He opened his eyes again, the whole room was turned and facing him, the teacher looking up at him with a odd expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alexander Lightwood?" Alec just looked at the teacher unsure what was happening, his mind was spinning, everything feeling slightly fuzzy like he was drunk. "So what would you; as a criminal defence lawyer use from the evidence photo to help your client?" Alec has no idea what was going on; what client? He tried to say something but nothing came out, Alec gripped his hands on the the edge of his desk, trying to stop them from shaking. The teacher just looked at him, he opened his mouth to say something when a voice cut him off./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well the fact that the blood is smeared on the ground suggest the body has been moved postmortem I would say that our client who is a young female couldn't of possibly moved the body that far by herself? Theres only one set of foot prints so it must have been one person; thus not our client?" Magnus recited the information without difficulty, the teacher looked from Alec then back to Magnus. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thankyou-"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Magnus, Magnus Bane" Magnus gave a wave of his hand./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well that was a good observation Magnus, and Alexander don't be afraid to speak up next time" The teacher gave Alec a finale look of concern before changing the slide to some writing which Alec could no longer see, his vision blurred from unshed tears./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Saved your bacon there" Magnus whispered from his seat in front, he turned his head to face Alec "think you owe-Alexander you okay?" Alec's eyes were still attached to the screen at the front his breath coming out in short bursts. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alexander?" Alec finally tore his eyes from the screen, Magnus was almost fully turned in his seat. He was looking up at Alec with a troubled look on his face, his usual cheeky smile all but gone. He looked down at Magnus, everything finally become to much for Alec, he frantically stood un in his seat, not bothering to grab his books or bag and took off down the lecture hall stairs. He pushed open the double doors and rushed down the hall. Alec noticed a bathroom on the left and dived in, throwing the door open. Alec felt his knees beginning to shake, he stubbled towards the sink and managed to grab the edge before his leg gave way. Alec's arms were shaking from the pressure, he quickly released one arm and turned on the tap. The rushing water splashed off the sink. Alec placed his shaking hands under the water, bringing it to his face, the droplets felt icy against his sweaty skin. The water was doing nothing, he shut the tap off and leaned against the sink trying to get his breathing under control; not now, not now, not now. Shit. Shit. Shit. Alec's rapid breathing increased, his vision started to blur again. He gripped thighed onto the sink, convinced if he held it any tighter it would break. Alec stumbled back from the sink, crashing into one of the toilet stall doors. As soon as he closed the door behind him his knees collapsed beneath him. He throw open the toilet seat lid and heaved up the coffee he had this morning. Alec continued the throw up until there was nothing, he carried on dry heavy until he finally fell against the door behind him. Alec breathed hard, his head resting against the door, his eyes shut. Alec didn't make any attempt to move from his position, to scared it would cause him to throw up again. Alec moved his legs out from beneath him, stretching them out in front of him. He brought his hands up to his face, running it through his hair. Alec kicked out at the toilet seat. He paused before kicking it again and again until his legs felt weak, he felt a small tear escaping his eye running down his check. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He needed to be better than this. He felt pathetic, he was. His second day at University and he was sat on the floor of the bathroom, a toilet full of sick in front of him. Alec could feel more tears pricking the corner of his eyes. He looked up at the celling trying to blink them away, he was not going to cry. He was 18 years old. Alec needed to get a hold of himself. He was meant to be here to get his qualifications; He had sworn to his parents that he would try his hardest and get all the highest grades, trying to make up for his failure in his SAT's. After that he was to get a high paying job and then marry a nice 'acceptable' girl and have a family. That was his parents plan for him, what he has been working towards his whole life. Alec felt himself feeling sick again. He owed this to them. He had to do it for them. Alec was about to push himself off the floor when he got a unsettling feeling in his stomach. He didn't want to go back in. What would they all think? What if they tried to ask him what happened? What would he say? The truth. The thought of that made Alec lurch forward and grab the rim of the toilet seat fearing he would throw up again. The truth, Alec shock his head, pushing that thought out of his head. They couldn't know, none of them could. Alec fell back on his feet, he dug into his pocket and pulled out his phone, he hit speed dial one. The phone rang for a moment before Izzy picked up./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alec?" She sounded surprised to hear from him, this didn't surprise Alec. He rarely rang Izzy, she usually having to be the one to initiate the conversation/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hey Izzy" Alec's voice sounded hoarse, he flinched at how weak he sounded./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Everything alright?" Izzy instantly picked up on it, her voice dripping with concern for her older brother./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah I'm fine, I just thought I'd ring to see how you are?" He tried to reposition himself on the floor. Resting his back against the door, stretching his legs fully out in front of him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yeah I'm good, were just at break now, I'm already done with this day." Izzy continued to talk about her day; what she had done, what she was going to do. Alec felt himself relaxing, his breath evening out. A short while ago Alec would of dealt with this in a very different way; his free hand wrapping protectively around his left wrist. He as trying to be better. Listening to Izzy helped, she talked with such optimism that it made Alec feel hopefully. Hopefully that things could go back to the way they were. Alec listened to Izzy talk for what felt his hours, his little sister talking about anything and everything; like she knew its what he needed. After a while, Izzy had to go back to class. The siblings said goodbye and Izzy said she would call him later. Alec rose from the floor putting the phone back into his pocket. He flushed the toilet and staggered out of the stall. Avoiding his gaze in the mirror Alec walked out of the bathroom. The hallway was now filled with people. He strode down the hallway towards his class, as he approached, Alec saw people pouring out of the room. He paused at the end of the hallway waiting for them to clear. Once it was empty Alec pulled opened the doors and entered the room. He walked up towards his stuff, his bags and books in the same position as he left it. Alec grabbed his book and shoved it into his bag. He picked his note pad up to place in the bag when something fell out. Alec bent down, a small yellow post it note laid on the floor by Alec's feet. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"'If you need to catch up on the notes, feel free to call me - Magnus Bane' The note was written in a blue pen, the writing sophisticated and neat. At the bottom of the note was a number. Alec looked down at the paper. He shoved the note into his pocket, deciding to deal with it later and carried on putting his stuff away. Once he was done he took off down that stairs./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Luckily Alec had no more classes for the day so opted to head back to his room, looking forward to the piece and quite. As he was walking down the street his hand went into his pocket, pulling out the crumpled note. Alec looked down at it. Magnus Bane. The name caused Alec to feel a flutter in his chest. He took another look at the note and put it back. He should just throw it away, he wasn't going to use it. He wasn't going to call him. Alec sighed, he just needed to forget about him, however something inside Alec told him that would be easier said than done, Magnus Bane seemed like a person that was not easily forgotten./p