Her bag felt too light, as if nothing was coming with her to New York. In a way, nothing was. The flat had been sold and everything that Connor had owned was going to family. Jose only really had some clothes and the Perilshore ring. The three triangles lying side by side above a squiggly sort of line comforted her. It was really the only thing of her father's that she was telling Maryse of her agreement, she was given details of their leave. They were gathering at the Penhallow's house to portal back home. Jose hated traveling by portals. She always felt queasy afterwards. Now, campus bag slung over her shoulder, she made her way to the Penhallows. Jace had shown her the way a couple of times, and she found the looming building easily. Finally, she would be leaving the place her father had so loved. Every street sigh, every alley corner had reminded her of him. To make things worse, she hadn't slept for more than two hours since her father's funeral. Heavy shadows crested her eyes, reminding her of her too large eyes, amplified further by the dark. As they said they would, the Lightwoods had already accumulated. Well, really only Maryse and Jace. Josephine knew they had another boy and a girl, and that Jace had a girlfriend, but they had left beforehand. Maryse said that it wouldn't overwhelm her as much if there were less people when she left. Jose kind of wished there was a swarm to occupy her senses, though.
"Hey, let me take that." Said Jace as soon as Jose had appeared.
"Oh, it's okay-"
Jace had grabbed the bag from her anyway, slinging it over his shoulder. He gave her a warm smile. "At least you pack lightly. Izzy once made me carry two of her bags and they weighed a ton."
Maryse gave a sigh. "Ready to go, Josephine?"
"Yes, of course. But, please, call me Jose."
Maryse smiled and stepped through the powerfully glowing portal. Jace gestured to the opening, and Jose followed suit.
The spiralling towers of the institute loomed up ahead. They had arrived a few streets away so that they didn't arrive bang smack on the grounds. Jace was pointing out a few landmarks, occasionally picking her up so she could see better. Josephine was tiny, only coming up to Jace's belly button. While being small had it's perks, such as agility and surprise of attack, it put strain on her neck always having to look up to have a conversation. Now, with the spires of the Church casting ghastly shadows over the ground, Jose felt a ping of excitement. She had never told her dad, but she had never really liked Idris. There was an overwhelming sense of authority, always having to be whipped back into shape. She had to learn everything a certain way, even if the opposing had a better achievement. She wondered if having a tutor would be any different that having a teacher. Maryse waited at the top of the stairs, guiding her with a small smile. Jose hopped up the stairs, trying hard not to bound straight through the doors. Jace laughed at her obvious enthusiasm, a mad flush rising to her cheeks.
"Nothing to be ashamed of." Said Maryse, leaning down to whisper into her ear. "Welcome to your new family."