Hello! New chapter! Thank you so much for your reviews last chapter! I had meant to upload this weekend but i was stuck... :P But now I'm not! So yeah! Please enjoy!

Chapter 17

Starting Over

Alec stepped into his new apartment and sigh. It was small, compacted and the walls were painted blue with tile flooring. As soon as he had entered the room, he saw the kitchen and lounging room. To the left was a small hallway. Down on the far left was one bedroom and on the other end was a spare bedroom. In between was the bathroom. Alec picked the far left room and settled his things down. He went over to screen door and pushed it opened allowing air to flow through the room and he stepped outside to admire the view. He looked down from the twentieth floor and a peg of fear crept through his skin but he enjoyed the height as well; he felt closer to the sky. From Alec's view, he could see several famous restaurants, advertisements, and the Tower. Though there was much street noise down below, Alec couldn't help but feel lonely inside. He had felt guilty and pathetic for leaving Magnus without saying good-bye. He knew he shouldn't have left but he had no other choice. Magnus was getting hurt on the account of him. Alec brought his head down on his hand and cursed at himself over and over. Just thinking about Magnus put vibrant colors in his cheeks. He thought if he said the words I'm sorry, enough times it might get to Magnus somehow. He could feel the tears throb behind his eyes but he willed them back. He didn't have the right the cry; he made his decision. By the time he had decided to go back inside, it was evening and the chill in the air was getting colder.
The next day Alec headed out to look for a job in Paris going around looking into book shops and cafés. Unfortunately, all of them had enough employees but they would notify him immediately if someone left. Greif stricken, Alec decided to find an art museum to calm his disappointments and worries. There was one museum called Idris and he liked name and decided to take a look. Inside there were three floors to the building. Alec's eyes widened in excitement and he hovered around each piece of art work, finding himself mesmerized and captivated by the scenes. There were canvas that varied from large to small that was placed around rooms and halls. Sculptures of twisted beings and entities were presented in the center of the room and Alec felt the need to tiptoe around them as if they were real. Alec roamed around the building from the back to the front; from the third floor to the first until he had the place memorized like the back of his hand but there was a certain painting that caught him attention and he stood there, unable to part form it. It was a painting of an angel hovering over a lake and he held two objects in his hand. A sword and a Cup. He wanted to reach out, to touch it but there was sign that said do not touch so he folded his hands behind him taking away the temptation to touch it. He had been so caught up in the painting that he didn't see a tiny figure approach him.

"Sir, we are closing now." The voice spoke lightly. Alec jumped in surprise and the girl chuckled.

"You scared me." He smiled weakly, placing a hand over his heart.

"My apologies" She said but there was still a smile on her face. She was small and she wore a tight black mini skirt that exposed her long succulent slender legs and a green translucent blouse with ruffles at the edges. She wore beautiful, detailed beads around her neck and her black hair was tied back into a bun. She looked fairly young, maybe a year younger then he was. On one of her necklaces was an ID badge and her name. Aline Penhallow. "You seem to really have a deep fascination for this piece." She observed. Alec nodded his head.

"What is it though?"

"The Angel Raziel and the Mortal Instruments." She clarified reading the plaque that was just below the painting. "It was said that the angel gave the first Shadowhunter three instruments: the Sword, the Cup, and the Mirror. They could make more Shadowhunters if the blood of an angel and blood of man was merged into the Cup. The Sword was used to determine if a Shadowhunter was lying during trials and the Mirror turned out to be a lake. Lake Lyn. It was very poisonous for the Nephiliams." She shook her head. "It's a very long and complex story with twisted endings."

"Well, I like it. Maybe I'll find the whole story and research it." Aline nodded.

"Quite a portrait indeed but now I must ask you to leave." By the shocked look on his face she added. "Because it's time to close."

"But it's still early. It's only six o'clock." He said checking his watch.

"I know, but this is a well preserved museum. Some of the most priceless artifacts hang on these walls and we don't want to encourage anyone to hatch any mischievous plans at night." Alec raised his eyebrows.

"Really?" The girl shrugged.

"I don't know, maybe. I just work here." The boy shook his head and laughed under his breath.

"I'm Aline by the way." She said holding out her hand. Alec hesitated before taking it feeling her tiny hands in his.

"Alexander, but please, call me Alec."

"Come on Alec, I'll walk you out." Alec noted that the way she said his name it was like she was playing with it, trying it out. The two made their way to the elevator and stepped side. "It seems you have a real liking to art work, do you draw?"

"From time to time, when I have the chance." He admitted, blushing lightly.

"You'll have to show me sometime." She insisted. Alec shook his head.

"Oh no," He said shyly. He was saved from answering any further as the door opened and the two stepped out. "So do you have any interest in art?"

"Uh, I like the historical facts of art you know the story behind the paintings, what inspired the artist to create such a masterpiece."

"Yeah, sounds interesting. Are you taking class on it?"

"Yup, there's a university class that I'm going to. I want to major in historical artifacts."

"What about you? You going to any art schools? What are your plans?"

"You ask a lot of questions." He pointed out. She drew in her lower lip and bit down on it.

"I know, sorry. I'm nosy."

"I'd like to draw," He said. "But I have to find a job first. I've been asking around but so far…" he shook his head. "No such luck." Aline gave him a sympathetic look and then it changed as an idea came to her mind and she smirked.

"I heard one of the employees' got fired. Sebastian, he was caught trying to steal one of the sculptures here. Anyway, I can talk with Mrs. Seelie Queen, the manager, and see if she can open the job for you." Alec looked at her in surprise.

"Really, you would do that for me, a stronger?"

"Well, there is one thing you have to do." She said slyly. The older boy narrowed his eyes.

"And what's that?"

"You have to go to lunch with me." Alec smiled and regarded her thoughtfully.

"I'd love that." He finally said.

"Then it's a date. Meet me at Le Sancerre, café." She winked.

"I don't know where that is, I'm new here, remember?"

"I'm sure you'll find your way." She said her red lips spreading into a grin. Alec let out a nervous laugh and bid his good bye. Alec walked down the crowded streets and looked up at the evening sky. He wondered why he accepted the invitation, he wasn't even interested in women and yet he was having a lunch date with a girl he just met. He wondered what Magus was doing; if he was seeing anyone right now. Alec mentally scolded himself. He forced the thought of Magnus out of his mind telling himself he was the past. He left him and he had to move on.

Alec quickly made his way down the sidewalk and sighed in relief when he saw the café sign. The letters were in gold and chrisom red. There were little tables set around outside and he saw Aline was already there sitting down one leg crossed over the other. She was wearing long dress pants and a white button down shirt. Her hair fell soft against her shoulders.

"Alec, you made it!" She beamed as he approached her.

"Yeah, just barely. Where you waiting long?" She shook her head. Alec took off his black coat and hung it on the back of the chair. He was left wearing a simple black shirt and jeans and a grey scarf.

"Just got here myself." The two settled back down on the black metal chairs. A waitress came and offered them something to drink. Aline dramatically dropped her hands against the table.

"So, I talked with my manager yesterday and she said she'd schedule a meeting for you to meet her."

"Really?" She nodded. "Aline, I don't know what to say, thank you so much." She shrugged.

"It's was nothing."

"No, you didn't have to and yet you did. I'm very grateful."

"It'll be fun. I don't usually interact with most of my employees because their dull and boring." She said flipping her hair back.

"I haven't gotten the job yet," he reminded her but she waved him off.

"You'll get it. Anyway, Alex, what are you doing in France?" She asked, eyes full of interest.

"It's Alec, and I'm here with my sister. She came here for culinary school and I'm just helping her out."

"That's so sweet of you," She cooed, placing a hand over her chest.

"I was walking around the other day, and I really like it here. I've looked up some really good places that recommend tourist to visit. Like the art museum, that was one."

"Hmm," she wrinkled her nose. "I've been in France for awhile now and those are just the basic stuff, the regular tourist sight. If you want, I can show you the real magical places in France." She suggested. "There's the Villandry. It's a Renaissance Chateau. It's really huge and it has a kitchen garden, ornamental garden and a water garden. It's so beautiful; I go there whenever I have the chance!" She said enthusiastically. She closed her eyes and Alec noticed her expression shifted to a calm serenity, as if she was putting herself back in the garden. When she opened her eyes, she blinked and then remembered she wasn't alone. "Sorry, I tend to do that." She said her cheeks pink. Alec, who had one hand flat against the table and the other, was cradling his chin, smiled.

"No, it's perfectly fine with me, I do that too." She ducked her head and smiled underneath.

"So what do you say, want to come with me to the gardens?" She asked leaning forward and placed a hand over his. Alec realized that Aline was very straightforward and bold person. When she flirted, she wanted the other person to know. Alec liked that about her, but it also reminded him of Magnus, the man he was trying to forget.

"It sounds fun." He smiled.

"So you're an artist huh?" She started smirking. Alec winced and pulled away and leaned back against the seat.

"You are not going to let that go are you?" He said crossing his arms over his chest in defense.

"I want to see your work." She pouted, her fist lightly hitting the table. Alec laughed and shook his head.

"I have a little album with photos of my work but it's not on me, it's at home."

"Well then, you'll have to bring it next time and show me." An unsettling feeling crept in Alec's stomach and he didn't know what to do. He liked Aline but he was not looking to being in a relationship; in any relationship. But Aline has been nothing but generous towards him and he felt bad if he didn't accept.

"Next time?" Instead of answering, she dropped him a wink.

Alec took a deep breath and smoothed out his blue button down shirt and ran a hand through his hair flattening it out. A brown leather shoulder bag was strapped across his chest that had his forms and resumes. He knocked once and waited for an answer before entering. Inside the office was like being in a cage with an exotic animal. The walls were the shade of light brown, like sand and long carved wooden logs were placed around the room. There were Cactus trees placed in the corners of the room. The sly creature Alec had to look out for was Seelie Queen who sat at her white desk scribbling down notes. He forced himself to stop and stare and her. She looked up and wicked smile spread across her rose red lips. The women stood up and walked around the front of her desk and leaned against it. She was a tall woman with sharp features and her hair was pulled back into a tight bun.

"You must be Alexander, but forgive, me, I do not know your last name."

"Uh, Lightwood, Alexander Lightwood." He said feeling the need to introduce his full name.

"Aline, told me about you, and your name fits your features well. Tall, slightly muscled and you have the most beautiful eyes." She said seductively. Alec blushed and looked down slightly embarrassed.

"You shouldn't hide yourself. Be proud of the things you have that most people lack." Alec raised his head and looked back at the women. "Better, now, about the job offer," She said shifting into business mode. "Have you no resume for me?" Alec let out a soft oh, as if he had forgotten it and reached into his bag and pulled out a blue folder. She took it with her slender hands and flipped through the file. He felt his heart lurch in anxiety and tried to study her facial expression but she kept it closed.

"Very interesting. Art seems to be a gift for you." She finally spoke. Alec wasn't sure if that was good thing or bad and he bit his lip in worry. "You're hired." She smiled. Alec's eyes widened in surprise joy.

"Oh my god, thank you so much. I can assure you will work hard and to my best." She nodded her head.

"I'm sure you will. You will be working in the Archives alongside with Aline." Alec nodded and strapped on his bag and was eager to get to work.

"Again, thank you so much Mrs. Queen."

"Please, address me as Seelie." Alec nodded then closed the door behind him. He let out a breath he felt like he was holding the entire meeting and closed his eyes. Finally, he was starting over and getting a job that he might enjoy. He heard footsteps approach him and Aline came with a wide grin on her face.

"Congratulations" She said and openly hugged him. He stiffened in surprise and she pulled away.

"Sorry, Anyway, let me show you where we work and what we do." Alec nodded his head and followed her to the back of the museum. "This is so exciting!" She squealed.

"I guess I'll be spending a lot of time with you," He smiled shakily and she seemed to glow at the idea.

Okay, as you all know, in the book, Aline was hitting on Jace, NOT Alec, but i didn't want to add in a new character because that would be confusing. And she was the only girl I could think of who would fit the profile. Besides, I've already altered the characters, why not change it some more right? Please tell me how you guys liked it in the REVIEWS!