SONG: Ave Maria –Beyonce
I Could Dance All Night
Tessa stood in front of the mirror staring at her reflection. She thought that this was one of those rare occasions where she felt truly beautiful. Jessamine had picked out a silver and white gown that looked splendid on Tessa. The dress was beautiful with delicate tulle ruffles which accentuated the strapless bodice of the charming dress. Small satin ribbons circled the bodice below the increased bust and at the waist, while the flared floor length skirt was resplendent in soft, sequin studded tulle that provided an elegant look. Her hair was down in long tumbling curls. The only jewelry she wore were an freshwater white pearl tear drop earrings and a silver twisted necklace with a lovely high lustre pearl pendant. There was a carefree and loose look about her.
"You look good, Tessa. Why would you not after all the work I put in? I picked a wonderful dress" Jessamine said standing with a smug expression near Tessa.
"Yes, the dress is wonderful. Thank you for your help."
"You are welcome. Now you must hurry. It is late as it is."
"Why! You are not dressed yet. I shall wait for you if you wish"
"Thank you, but that will not be necessary. I shall be down later. Now make haste!"
"Well alright then. I suppose I will be leaving fashionably late so it should not be too awkward" Tessa said conscious of a tiny wave of nervousness race through her body.
She did not want to be the only one walking down the long staircase while everybody's attention was on her. The ball had started a while ago and most guests would have arrived by now. She left Jessamine's room and walked down the passageway. Stopping in front of a dramatic grand staircase with dark cherry wood balustrade, Tessa had a good view of the massive circular ball room. At the bottom of the staircase, on both sides were statues of two angels made of archaic stone. One angel had a face of tragedy with torn wings and the other smiled warmly holding a flute in hand. The room was fantastically ornate decorated by quite a few chandeliers with apple shaped bulbs that illuminated the whole space. The floor and steps were carpeted in a tight, light prairie gold stitch and looked new as if it had been put on yesterday instead of the many years it had endured. The warm and inviting hues of burgundy, cream and deep greens complimented the inviting atmosphere. The large room was filled with well-dressed people. They radiated an air of well bred and respected individuals. That is how it should be; they were part angel after all. Every woman looked beautiful and every gentleman handsome. Tessa knew she was the odd one out.
Will stood against a wall with his arms folded. There was a woman standing next to him enlightening him with the most recent news of the attack on the werewolves. The way she spoke, patiently and slowly made Will feel like she would never stop talking. There were other women not far from him, their gazes secretly examining him. It was annoying. The Enclave did not like him very much and Jem, Charlotte and Henry were the only shadowhunters who could stand him so he wondered why these women desired him. He did not care; the only woman his eyes admired was the one descending down the stairs. He watched Tessa as she shyly walked down, keeping her eyes forward focusing on nothing as half the people in the room scrutinized her. He could tell from the redness of her cheeks that she was embarrassed, a trait he loved about her. He noticed that some individuals were whispering to each other now, their eyes still on Tessa. He could guess what they were saying. "Dear God! What is this downworlder doing here?" Or "Is she not dangerous? Why is the clave so lenient with her? They should lock her up." Or even "Since when do filth like downworlders attend the same parties as us!" .Suddenly a vicious anger rooted in him and he narrowed his eyes.
Tessa was still walking down the stairs, her stomach in knots when she saw Jem standing at the bottom. He rested his arm on the railing and smiled up at her. As she neared the end of the stairs he put out his hand and she took it. The relief of relaxation made her release the breath she had not realized she was holding.
"Oh Jem! I am so glad you are here" she almost whispered.
"Why would I not? I live in the institute so..."
"I mean, thank you for coming up and speaking to me. I felt extremely uncomfortable with everybody watching me. I know I do not belong here but-"
"A spectacular entrance, I must say. Everybody must have been awed by your beauty so you cannot blame them for staring"
Tessa smiled. "Thank you Jem."
Jem looked handsome Tessa thought. His hair was neatly combed back and his gray suit brought out the silver in his eyes. He was still smiling at Tessa when she realized her hand was still in his. His hands were well carved, smooth and warm but felt uncomfortable. As if suddenly realizing the awkwardness of the moment Tessa pulled her hand away. Jem stared at her for a moment and then turned his back on her and said "We should go to the refreshment room. You must be hungry seeing as you did not each much during tea." Without waiting for an answer he started making his way through the groups of people who stood talking and laughing.
The refreshment room was a large space holding quite a few people enjoying biscuits, sandwiches and cracker-bonbons. Tessa's eyes immediately landed on the sweet confectioneries; jellies, blanc-mange, trifle and tipsy cake. The air of awkwardness seemed to have dampened in the past few minutes and Jem was himself again.
They were laughing and sipping their drinks when Jem felt a pat on his shoulder. He turned to see his best friend standing beside him and unexpectedly felt an acute sense of sadness. Will greeted Jem while his eyes remained riveted on Tessa.
"You look like a bride, Tess" Will commented, his eyes travelling the whole length of her body.
Jem saw the shy smile that took form on her lips, saw the way her eyes lit up as though flames had sparked behind them and did not fail to notice the rouge her cheeks had gained. A slow sense of loneliness spread through him like poison consuming any joy he had felt earlier. He heard Tessa's laughter like the tinkling of bells after Will made some sarcastic comment. It had always been this way. Tessa seemed happiest when Will was around. And though they did not announce that they were courting, Jem knew their relationship ran deeper than friendship. Will especially did not care whether people noticed and gave him uneasy looks when he spoke to or touched Tessa in any manner. He seemed to want people to know his relationship with a downworlder and obviously did not care about the little reputation he had left. People respected Will only because he was one of the best shadowhunters around. They were still talking, Will and Tessa, when another woman joined them.
"Good evening Mr. Herondale, Mr. Carstairs" she said politely and nodded at each of the men respectively. Her attention on Tessa was merely a glance along with a disgusted twitch of lips, no kiss on the cheek or even a smile. One might think downworlders were contaminated.
"Good evening, Miss Westfall" Jem said smiling trying to dampen the awkward atmosphere that had been created with Will completely ignoring the woman and pouring himself a drink instead. Tessa stood with an uncertain expression.
"I heard of your accomplishments concerning the eradication of the nest of demons in Eastern Europe" Jem said sounding impressed.
Miss Westfall smiled. "I have to say, one of the most eccentric forms of demon I have yet seen. It had a tiny nappy head and a coarse face. The voice of the creature was particularly astonishing, so high pitched and disturbing; truly revolting, the scaly skin that covered the creature's body!"
"Really" Will said, carrying a serious expression as though he were in deep thought "sounds something like you." Both women gasped. "Apart from the scaly skin of course" he corrected. Jem looked astonished and immediately apologized on his friend's behalf and showered compliments on Ms Westfall informing her of the beauteous she was. It did not seem to work. Miss Westfall glared at Will before mumbling something about what a pathetic and immoral shadowhunter he was. Tessa winced when she heard this but bit down on her lip to stop herself from speaking.
"Will, what is wrong with you?" Tessa scolded.
"You saw the way she looked at you" Will said, sipping his Madeira.
"That is not an excuse. You need to be more polite"
"No point in warning him Tessa, he is rude as always" Jem remarked shaking his head.
Instead of feeling ashamed Will accepted his fallen state with gusto.
"You are right. If rude is another word for expressing your thoughts then rude is what I am. But at least I am not a liar" Will said looking pointedly at Jem. "What was all that stuff you said to her about looking like the angel of beauty?"
A small flush appeared on Jem's pale cheek. "I may have gone a little far but that is no excuse for your improper comment" he said sounding authoritative. Tessa nodded in agreement. Will rolled his eyes before he finished his drink, took Tessa's hand and lead her towards the ball room. The next set of dance was about to begin when Tessa stopped midway.
"Will, this may not be a good idea. I do not think it would be appropriate for me to dance with-"
"Why not?" he cut in "besides a lady should not refuse a gentleman without an appropriate excuse"
"We are suppose to hide our relationship, remember"
Will sighed. "Things like that are too tiresome. I do not care what they think of me."
"No but I do." Tessa sighed "Listen, It will not be for long and-"
"What are you so scared of?"
"Nothing Will, I am only thinking of what is best for us and Charlotte said-"
"Forget what she said. If you expect me to spend tonight by exchanging secretive glances and smiles with you then I might as well enjoy eating biscuits with Ms Westfall while discussing how best to slice a demon. "
Tessa stared at him. "Fine, Let us dance. We have nothing to hide. Both of us do not care about what other people think so it should not be a problem. Besides I do not like hiding our relationship either" she said trying to convince herself that this was a good idea.
"I like that. Maybe I should kiss you right now, that way everybody will know sooner" he said mischievously.
"Will!" Tessa exclaimed.
He smiled the crooked smile that made Tessa's heart tip and blood sing in her veins. They stepped on the ball room floor, positioning themselves for the next polka dance.
Jem stood in the ballroom towards the side where the gentleman and ladies who did not prefer to dance stood and engaged in hearty conversations. He watched Tessa and Will dancing and it struck him for the first time how elegant a couple they were. They were both good dancers, enjoying each others company. He suddenly wondered how it would feel if he were the one who had her in his arms, had the luxury of caressing her cheek or push back a curl that fell on her brow. But he was not jealous. He was well aware of the fact that he was on his way out and had nothing to offer Tessa. Besides, he wanted them to be happy together. And as much as he cared for Tessa he suspected he cared more for Will. He was still submerged in his own world when the music became slower, softer. He blinked a few times and realized with a start that Tessa and Will had disappeared from the dance floor. He looked around wondering where they had gone when he heard someone clear their throat. It was the sort of noise someone made when trying to arrest one's attention. It was a soft and husky voice and he knew only too well who it belonged to.
"Jessamine" he said before he turned to look at her. She smiled in return and momentarily he was caught off guard. One could have said she looked like Aphrodite-the Greek goddess of beauty.
"They have gone to the balcony" she said in her silvery voice.
"What?" he asked, not quite understanding what she was talking about?
"Will and Tessa, You seemed to be looking for them."
"I see" was all he said.
But Jessamine was still staring at him carrying a strange expression on her face. Jem wondered why he was not attracted to her. She was very beautiful and…his thoughts stopped there. There was nothing about her personality he particularly took delight in. She was a nice girl if you were on her good side otherwise you always had the feeling of a puppy about to be whipped. Jem sensed that feeling presently as she tilted her head and scrutinized him. He was not at odds with her as much as Will was. Will and Jessamine always argued and she always gave up in the end.
"What is it, Jess? You are staring at me"
For an answer she lifted her hand up to her forehead, her silver bracelet slid down her arm and her lace sleeves ruffled. The whole action carried a dramatic tone.
"Oh poor Jem! I feel so sorry for you. But Tessa is taken so you must get over her. It is not healthy if you allow your heart to pursue her."
Jem felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled "I appreciate your concern but I fear you have the wrong idea. I care for Tessa as a friend." He turned to leave but stopped for a moment and said "And I would also appreciate it if you concerned your self with your own affairs."
Tessa stood in the balcony enjoying the wind blowing on her face and observing the deep violet folds of the night. Will was standing next to her, his hands in his pockets. His shirt was loosely tucked into his trousers and his hair as usual seemed tousled. They had had fun dancing but then Tessa had wanted a breath of fresh air but both of them knew what the true reason was. The other couples back in the room had stared at them and Tessa had heard some of the horrible things they whispered about her. Was she so strange, so unworthy to be with a Nephilim.
"The moon is grey tonight" Will said, his eyes staring at the beautiful circle in the sky. "Much like your eyes, I think."
Tessa blushed. "Thank you, I-"
"I never said that was a compliment."
"Oh, of course"
"You know, you have got to accept what you are"
"What? I...I do not even know what I am"
"Still a creature from hell; you seem to have problems with-"
"Of course it is hard for me! I have been trying, have I not? Does it bother you, Will? Is that why you have been distant for the past few days?" she asked desperately.
Will shrugged. "Let us go back inside. You have had enough of fresh air."
"Stop" she said as he turned to walk back in "Just tell me what is wrong. There is something else Will and you are not telling me. You are hard to read but I know"
Will did not look at her. He clenched his fists as the same urgent desire to tell her everything tempted him. May be he should tell her and it would be okay. She would understand. But he could not. Instead he turned to her and said "Can you not stop being nosy once in a while? You are so exhausting."
"Will! I am worried about you."
"Worry about yourself; the silent brothers want to see you tomorrow and Charlotte said it was not good news. I did not imagine it would be anyway."
"Why do you say that?"
"Tessa, think about it. You can change into any person in the world, know and understand their thoughts and feelings and that means you can be dangerous. What you are, right now may not even be the real you. You could be an old woman with bug eyes and wrinkly skin."
Tessa felt a something cold settle in the pit of her stomach. She opened her mouth to say something but the words died in the sob that escaped instead.
"Why are you saying such cruel things?" she asked trying to gather herself.
"Truth is bitter." He said and shrugged. He did not meet her eyes but was looking somewhere in the distance.
A loud and unnerving silence followed. He is right; Tessa thought. What he said may well be true but to have thrown at her face what drove her on the edge of despair was like an arrow to the heart. She stared at him wondering how it was that they were in love. A dark tornado was forming in her heart and she asked herself "Does he love you?" and a voice within her said "He loves you in his own fashion." Taking a deep breath as if she were about to go under water, she said "I think I am going to go to my room."
"I will walk you" he said and began leading the way.
Few minutes later, they stood outside her room and she opened the door. Before Tessa walked in to her room she turned to thank him but she immediately forgot the words and instead she found herself staring into his pain struck eyes. A mild sense of shock overcame her. Why so sudden? What was he so sad about? They seemed so open and raw with grief. Instinctively, she moved her hand to caress his cheek but he held it midway. And before she knew it he was holding her close and kissing her. Before Tessa could even comprehend what was happening, she felt an alien emotion overwhelming that set her nerves jangling beyond control. He walked inside the room almost carrying Tessa, all the while kissing her fervently and shut the door with one foot.
They had kissed before but not like this. Their tongues and sweet breath mingled in the deep yet sorrowful kiss. After what seemed like the loveliest eternity Will moved away. He stared into Tessa's eyes as if searching for something.
"Will, I do not think..." but she could barely finish what she was saying.
Will took in everything; her flushed cheeks, cloudy eyes, heaving bosom and the hourglass shape of her body. Tessa almost felt drained the way he looked at her. He was such a beautiful boy. She admired the arresting planes and angles of his jaw and cheekbone, the perfect shape of his lips and his enchanting eyes. They did not speak in words but their eyes did their communication for them. He moved towards her again and looked at her while his hands slowly travelled up her back sending through her a series of shivers. She felt her bodice loosen, felt the heat in her own body. He was confident of the way he touched her. There was an aura of aggressive masculinity he possessed. Tessa felt as though she were at the brink of some fathomless chasm and once she fell she would not rise. But had she not already fallen for him. Suddenly the whole world seemed faraway from this bliss they felt at each other's presence. Will looked at her again for reassurance and in that one moment when a hysterical rush of affection and passion overwhelmed her she pulled him close and pressed her lips to his. "I love you Will. I belong to you alone." This would probably be the bravest thing she would do in her life yet. He carried her to the bed and she felt like she was in some daze of happiness.
When he first entered her, it was shock that racketed through every bone in her body. Then the realization she had completely given herself to him, given everything she ever had. Despite the pain and wetness of eyes a pure joy filled her. As her eyes slowly closed that night with Will lying next to her, his head cradled in the crook of her neck she wondered why a woman rejoiced when she lost something; her heart to man, her virginity, her ability to be loyal to anyone but her beloved…Even though we are not married yet, you are my husband now, she thought as she succumbed to the unconsciousness of sleep.