Okay, wow, it's been a while My sincerest apologizes!

Okay, so it's not that I was lazy... scratch that i was... but i had written so much that i didn't have room to put in a few minor details so i'll just give you a rough summary of what i skipped.

The sight seeing - Well, it's France, they most likely went to see the Eiffel Tower, some fancy garden or bridge and other stuff

The Studio - Large, wooden polished flooring. All open space, paintings hanging around the rooms... Most of the paintings were fairy tale based, but some were different. Everyone was dressed in extravegent evening cloths

Please Enjoy!

Chapter 19

Picture Perfect Life

Alec stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist and his hair hanging over his face. He heard his phone vibrate on the kitchen counter and he walked over to it carelessly. He looked at his phone that was face down and he wondered if it was Magnus again but weeks had passed since the last time he called. Alec was sure it was over and he had already moved on. He turned the phone anyway and was surprised to see it wasn't Magnus. He picked it up.

"Mom?" He asked surprised.

"Oh, your awake, I wasn't sure if you had gone to bed already." Mayrse, his mother, said sounding relieved.

"No," He said and made his way over to the couch. "What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing is wrong; I just wanted to see how you were doing." She said her voice sounding a little defended. "I already talked to Isabelle and she seems excited to be in France."

"Oh," Alec said taken aback. "Well, I'm doing well. I'm living in a… affordable apartment; I have a job at an art museum so I'm happy." He said. There was a long pause on the other end and Alec pulled back his phone to make sure they were still connected. "Mom?"

"Sorry, I was just thinking. Good for you, I'm glad you're finally doing something you want. I know working in the kitchen wasn't one of them." Alec laughed under his breath.

"It's fine, I had fun" he admitted with a faint smile on his face remembering his time meeting Magnus.

"Alec, I just wanted to say I'm sorry." Maryse said. The boy ran a hand through his hair in concern.

"Are you sure you're okay mom?"

"Yes, it's just, I realized that when I heard that you were going to France with Isabelle, I saw just how hard you're working to help her and, it wasn't- isn't your responsibility to bare." She confessed. Alec swallowed unsure of what to say. His mother continued. "We should have been the one to help her, your father and I. We should have been there to support you but we didn't." Alec rubbed his temples the tears throb behind his eyes. He had never expected to hear this from them; he had never expected anything from them.

"Mom, why are you saying this now?" He said his voice trembling as he fought back the tears.

"Because we haven't talked in a long time. I feel like I missed a lot of things with you, I missed a lot of opportunities to be with you because of…" She trailed off. She didn't need to say it. The distance between his parents started when he had announced that he was gay at the age of eighteen. His father, Robert, laughed at first thinking it was a joke but realized he was serious. After that, his father didn't approve the things that Alec was interested in and discouraged him. His mother hadn't done anything to help but looked the other way. Alec feared facing the world alone, blind without the help of his parents so he decided to study law to please his them, his father. Eventually, they began to talk to him again and provided options of where he could go to law school. Then there came the issue of Isabelle wanting to become a chef and Alec knew exactly how miserable it was to do something he hated so he vowed to help Isabelle chase her dreams and dropping his own.

"Its fine mom, I don't really care anymore." He said distantly.

"But I care Alexander; I don't want us to fight anymore. I want to help you; I want to be there for you." She took a ragged breath. "I want to help you fulfill your dreams." Alec closed his eyes and tears trickled down his cheeks. "I want to be a better parent to you, I know it's late Alec but if there's anything I can do to support you, if you want to talk about anything please let me know." She begged. Alec shook his head a smile tugging on his lips.

"You just did mom," Alec choked. The longing, the aching in his chest uncoiled and he felt a heavy weight being lifted off his shoulders. Alec spoke with his mother for hours after that and he freely expressed his relationship with Magnus and his mother listened quietly and patiently and offered consoling advice after he finished. Maryse confessed that there were a few times she struggled with her marriage but they made it through. This was why she had called him as part of the marriage counseling. Alec was happy that they made it through, though he struggled to get along with his father, he still loved him and would be devastated if they divorced. It had been almost one in the morning when they finally hung up and Alec felt livelier than ever.

The next day, he bounded toward the art museum light on his feet. He made his way to the elevator and jumped lightly on the balls of his feet humming to himself as the elevator made its descent. Less than a minute later, it opened and he made his way down a row of little cubical until he reached his office. Aline, who was across from him, was putting on a red vest with her name tag on it when he approached her. She gave him a look and raised an eyebrow.

"You seem happier?"

"Is it that obvious?" He asked setting his bag down onto his desk.

"Very much," She said, pulling hair back into a bun.

"Why are you dressed like that?"

"One of the employees that was supposed to be giving a tour today got sick so Seelie asked me to take over." Alec nodded.

"Have fun." The boy said smirking.

"Thanks," She said with sarcasm before making her way to the surface of the museum. Alec worked a little over his lunch break, not feeling hungry since he found work enjoyable. His office phone began to ring pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Hello?"

"Alec," A silk voice spoke. Involuntarily, Alec sat up straighter even though he knew that Seelie wasn't there.

"Yes ma'am?"

"I'd like to see you in my office, when you're done with your work of course." She added.

"I'm pretty much done; I can see you now if you wish?"

"That'd be great." And with that she hung up. Alec ranked through his mind wondering what he could have possibly done wrong. He made sure to lock up after work, he made sure to get the papers filed before the deadline, and he came to work on time. He could think of absolutely nothing that he could have done wrong as he made his way up the stairs to the large office. Alec tried to make himself look presentable before stepping into Queen's office. The woman looked up from her desk.
"Oh good, Alec." She said setting down her pen. "I wanted to ask you," she started motioning him to sit before her desk. Alec sat. "There is a gallery opening coming next week and I know it's short notice, but I would like you to… create something so I can submit it." Alec's eyes widened in surprise.
"You want to... Show my work in a gallery?" Seelie nodded.
"I've seen your work and you are very skilled in art. I believe you have potential." She complemented. "Also, it would be good business for us if people knew we had someone like you working in the art museum. It's like a bonus." She winked and turned to retrieve a flyer from her desk and handed it to him.
"The theme is 'Where the Magic Begins' I know it's a little cliché but we're trying to advertise more attractions for the people, have them visit more places." Alec looked over the paper reading the instructions and nodded his mind reeling with ideas. "I need the piece by next week Thursday so that Friday, we can hang it up in the gallery."
"I'll see what I can do." Alec said standing from his chair.

"Oh also, through the last two days, it will be open to any buyers. So don't be alarmed if someone buys it right away." She gleamed.

"That's fine with me, thank you Ms. Queen- I mean Seelie, I promise, I won't let you done."
"I love your enthusiasm." She winked. Alec gave one last nod before walking out.

It was around five forty when Aline came down. She sank down in her chair and kicked off her shoes and tugged off her vest. He handed her a bottle of water and she took it with gratitude.

"Ugh, I'm tired." She crocked. "How was your day?"

"Well, I met with Seelie earlier today." She straightened up and gapped.

"What happened?" He told her about his opportunity and how his painting would be placed in an opening gallery. He presented the paper and she looked over it.

"Have you decided what you're going to draw?" She asked handing it back. Alec gave her a worried look and shook his head.

"Not yet," He was both thrilled and worried. "There are so many ideas and themes to choose from; my mind is racing." Aline checked her watch.

"It's still early, maybe we can go look around, see a few places so you can get an idea. I know tons of places that might help inspire you." She suggested.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on your evening." She cut him off with a wave of her hand.

"It's fine, beside, I could use a break." She said grabbing her purse and pulling out her car keys. "Let's drive." She grinned.

Aline pulled in front of Alec's apartment and the two sat there quietly. Alec ran hand through his hair and sighed lightly.

"D-do you want to come in, maybe have a drink?" He suggested.

"Sure, that'd be great." She smiled. And with that the two made their way to Alec's room.

"Sorry for the mess, I hadn't planned on having anyone over," He admitted walking around the room trying to clear the space in his room. He straightened the pillows on the couch and stacked his books neatly on the coffee table. He felt embarrassed for having such a small apartment but Aline smiled kindly.

"Make yourself comfortable, do you want anything to drink?"

"Oh uh, water is fine." She said walking over to the couch and sitting down.

"You have a really nice view." She said looking out the window. Alec looked up in her direction.

"Thanks, I enjoy looking down from the twentieth story; really sends a thrill down my spine." He said sarcastically walking over to her and handing her a glass of water. Aline laughed and took the drink.

"True, true" Aline nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry you couldn't think of anything today." She apologized. "I really thought something would have sparked an idea." Alec shrugged.

"Don't worry, I'm a complicated guy." Aline seemed to hang onto that sentence and Alec looked away. "S-so do you want to see my drawings?" he suggested and the girl snapped her head up beaming.

"Really?"

"I guess, since we're here." He said getting up and shuffled to his room. "Don't expect them to be great." He called from his room. Alec opened his closet and pulled out his picture album and went back to the living room.

"Hey, if Seelie wants you to paint something than I know they'll be great." She said. Alec hesitated before sitting next to her and giving her his book. She opened it carefully and sucked in a breath.

"I know, it's not that good," he said.

"Alec, shut up," she snapped but her voice was light. "You are a great artist." She said turning the pages slowly and sometimes she would flip back to a certain picture to see it again. Alec blushed.

"Thanks,"

"You're too modest Alec, you need to learn to accept that you are good; that you have talent." Aline said fiercely placing a hand on his shoulder. Alec looked up to meet her gaze and saw the way she was looking at him. Her eyes were wide with hunger, yearning and intent on getting closer. Her breathing became short and fast. She leaned forward and closed her eyes. Alec had never thought he would ever be in a situation where he was conflicted with his emotions about being with a girl. Fear, curiosity and confusion clouded his thoughts and he leaned forward their lips colliding. Aline responding with a light gasp as if she hadn't expected him to kiss her. Her lips tasted sweet of lip gloss and it smeared over his. Her tongue darted out and sought entrance and Alec hesitated before opening his mouth. There was a sense of wrongness as their kisses heatedly grew. He cupped her cheek and she scooted closer to him and began undoing her shirt revealing a black laced bra. She was exposing herself; she was pushing herself on him begging him to take her but Alec didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to lead. It wasn't in his nature. He turned his head away and lightly pushed her back.

"I'm sorry," he gasped placing hand over his mouth.

"What's wrong?" She breathed hurt flaring in her eyes.

"Aline, I just got over a relationship and I don't think I'm in the position to staring a new one." He said.

"You've been here for a while and maybe it's time you moved on." She said. "Whatever happened with your past lover is done and you need to be happy again, you deserve to be happy." Alec opened his mouth to say something, anything but what he truly wanted to say wouldn't come out.

"I'm sorry," Was all he said.

"Right," She sighed and stood up, buttoning her shirt closed. "Thank you for your hospitality." She said dryly and headed for the door but without thinking, Alec caught her wrist.

"Wait-" He started and took a breath. She had been nothing but kind to him and she gave him job. Without her, the life, the opportunity he was heading towards, wouldn't have happened without her.

"I- It's not that you're- er, well, you're very beautiful but I'm not right for you." He said. "It's just, you're not my type." He said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She snapped. "Would you prefer blond hair blue eyed? Short girls, tall girls-"

"No," Alec said waving his hands dramatically in front of her, "I mean you're not my type." He said again trying his best to emphasize on the type.

"Why do you keep saying that? What do you mean-" She looked at him for the longest time before something clicked and her jaw dropped. Her hands flew over his mouth. "Oh, I'm not your type." She copied his tone. "ohmygosh, your gay?" She squeaked. Alec nodded weakly. She robotically walked back to the couch and sank down, clearly surprised. "Wow, I was not…" She shook her head. "This is…" Alec winced regretting telling her. She was so quiet and he wanted to know what she was thinking. Did she think he was a freak, faggot, or disgusting?

"Say something Aline," Alec said shyly.

"I've seen a lot of gay guys before and believe me, you are the first most attractive of them all." She shook her head. "I really did not see this coming." She tilted her head to the side in thought. "Well, no, not really, I mean, I guess I saw some signs but…" She said talking to herself.

"Are you freaked out?" Alec asked worriedly. She snapped out of her own thoughts and looked up at him.

"No" She smile and Alec was taken aback.

"Really?"

"Well, I guess I'm a little disappointed but that's it. Plus, I work with you; I don't want things to be awkward between us." She said standing back up, regaining her composure.

"So we're good?" She nodded and went over to him planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. "I'm not leaving because I want to get away from you, but it is late." She said. Alec nodding in understanding. "I hope you find the right idea for your project."

"Thanks," He said with her to the door.

"Night Alec," She said before stepping out into the hallway. Alec returned the goodbye and closed the door behind him. He sighed and leaned against the door his mind reeling with emotions. He went over to the couch and picked up his album and padded to his room. As he was setting the book back in the basket in the closet he saw his sketch book. Feeling sentimental, he pulled it out and flipped through the pages looking at the faces of his previous lovers and his heart stopped when it landed on Magnus. He stared at the boy for the longest time.

"The magic began with you." He muttered solemnly. Suddenly, an idea snapped in his mind and he rushed over to his desk immediately starting on the outline of his project. As he drew, he couldn't hold back the tears of joy, excitement, and sadness as they trickled down his face.

Alec sat anxiously as Seelie held the large canvas in her hand looking over the piece.
"I love the details; the shading, the architecture of the house and your brush strokes." She critiqued. "It seems you out a lot of effort into this," she said. Alec could tell as she trail off that there was but at the end. "I love your work Alexander, but what does this have to do with the theme?" Alec looked down a little worried the piece may not be eligible to be submitted.
"Well, when we hear the word magic, we think enchantments, fairy tales and prince and princess but to me, it means a place where you can be happy with the person you love. If you are truly happy with that person, then you don't need love spells, you don't need a castle or a magical wedding." Alec said. "All you need really is place where you'll both be happy."
"I see your not one for fairy tales." Seelie smirked and Alec blushed. She stood before him and gently lifted his head with her long fingertips. "You know, I wouldn't have said it any other way." She smiled. "It's perfect."
The boy beamed in his seat.
The next Friday, Alec went home early, took quick shower and got into his tux. He was fixing his bow in front of the mirror when he heard a knock on his front door. Alec brushed his hair back with his hands and went over to the door opening it. Aline was wearing a fitted solid blue dress that was knee high and blue five inch heeled shoes. Her black hair was pulled back and twisted into a messy bun and she wore a light coat of makeup.

"Are you ready?"

"I think so," He shivered. "I'm so nervous. What if my painting is completely different from the rest? What if no one buys it?" He exclaimed.

"Alec, calm down." she said grabbing his arm. "So what if it's different, that's what makes it so unique and special. If it stands out, then people know that you have a bigger imagination and people like that." Alec sucked in a breath, held it then let it out.

"Your right, let's go." A smile of satisfaction crossed her face and the two went to the studio.

On Sunday, Alec made his way inside the studio again and went to the back of the room where his art piece hung. When he turned the corner however, his heart both leaped and dropped at the same time. He stared heavily at the empty cream colored wall. Once there was a large canvas on the wall that was once his.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He turned and saw Aline standing next to him. This time she was dressed in a white blouse and black mini skirt. Her hair was pulled back into a half ponytail.
"It's gone. Someone bought my painting." He said solemnly pointing to the empty wall.
"Congratulations!" She said squeezing his arm gently. Alec shrugged. "Why aren't you happy?"
"I don't know, I guess I was…hoping it would stay here where I could continuously visit it. Now I don't know where it is and who it's with. What if the buyer doesn't treat it well? What if it's hanging in someone's bathroom?" He ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know..." He sighed.
"Well, if it's bothering you that much, can't you see the buyer?"
"I could, but I don't want to. I'd rather not know."
"Alright," she patted his back and rested a head on his shoulder. "You know, this is a big deal for you. You're getting noticed." Alec's his heart was leaped with anticipation but he still felt empty inside.
"We have to celebrate!" Aline said. Alec shook his head and gave her a weary smile.
"Thanks, but I think I'll just go home tonight."
"Are you sure?" She asked giving him a concerned look. Alec nodded.
"Can we celebrate sometime later?"
"I'd like that very much." She gave him another light squeeze and left him to his thoughts. After a while, Alec found the nerve to let go of the painting and decided to head home.
The boy sat down on the couch still torn from parting with his painting. He picked up a random book trying to distract himself and he got through the first sentence when there came a startling, ferocious pounding on the door.

Yeah! Chapter finished! I hoped you enjoyed it! I know you all are busy with with school work now - as am I- but if you could take a few seconds to REVIEW and let me know what you guys think would be most wonderful! O.o i feed off your reviews... lol Again, i apologize for skipping the details, but i love you all so much, i just had to update as soon as i could!