A New Generation Chapter 4

Izzy Paints

To say Izzy was excited was like saying the Titanic took on a little water. And Simon knew for certain that she didn't paint. And she most certainly never wore overalls.

But there she was, standing in paint-splattered denim, helping Clary paint a fat bumblebee on the nursery's wall. Her hair was pulled back in a thick braid, and she was chattering away about being an aunt. She seemed to adore the prospect of a baby in the Institute. The more Simon thought about it, the weirder he felt. Kids were way out of his depth.

And that was all before Alec appeared. With Magnus. And their newly-adopted fairy baby that they hadn't bothered to tell anyone about. She was ecstatic, to say the least. She doted on little Nissa nonstop, and nearly cried when she had to leave with Simon. Nissa didn't bother holding back the tears.

"It's obvious who her favorite person is," Alec commented dryly.\

"Shut up, brother of mine. You're just jealous."

Simon cornered her after dinner that night.

"Iz, do you want kids?"

She wore a strange expression in response. Part confusion, anticipation, doubt, and amusement.

"I don't know, really. I've never considered myself the type for settling down. I always figured I'd be the cool aunt who everybody loves. Not a mother figure at all." She stared a him for a second. "Why do you ask?"

Simon shook his head. "No reason."

They were lying in bed that night, both of them thinking over the earlier conversation.

"Simon?"

"Yeah, Iz?"

"Nevermind."

Izzy stared down glumly at her bowl of cereal. Jace stared at her intently from across the table, waiting for her to speak. Finally, he gave up and asked her what was wrong.

Her head jerked up. "What? Oh- nothing."

He glared at her. "You're a horrible liar, and we both know it."

"Really, Jace. It's fine. How's Clary? She was talking about throwing a baby shower-"

"Isabel Lightwood, if you don't tell me what's wrong right now, I'll assume it's Simon, and then I'll hit that Daylighter so hard he'll-"

"Jace, stop! It's not Simon, it's me. I- I don't know if I can stay with him any longer."

"What?"

Izzy turned to see Simon standing in the doorway, shock on his face and hurt in his eyes.