OK, so i accidentally misused the word teaser. how about short chapter?
"So, is Henry Charlotte's…" Tessa asked uncertainly, not sure if the subject was touchy or not. Tessa didn't want to start off on the wrong foot.
"Husband." Jem replied as he lifted the luggage out of the trunk of the car.
"So does he work here?"
"Yes. He teaches shop but is mostly interested in the workings of small trinkets- clocks and such. Mr. Lightwood continually bears him out for the spot. Anyways, what are you majoring in?" Jem asked, showing an eager curiosity on the subject.
"English literature. I feel like I can really connect with the characters. Stupid, I know."
"No I totally get it."
"Really?" Tessa asked uncertainly.
"Not really. But Will would. He's into stuff like that. I would rather play sports, or hang out with cool friends."
"That's very nice Jem. Thank you for the help with my things. Would it be possible for you to leave me alone for a little while? I need to unpack."
"Oh, of course. See you later Tessa." Jem left the room, slowly, looking slightly deflated. Tessa felt bad. she hadn't meant to hurt Jem's feelings. she had just wanted to be alone.
Tessa opened up the purple suitcase and looked at it's contents. It seemed sad to her that all of her belongings could fit into such a small space. 'This suitcase seems a lot fuller than when i put it on the carousel at the airport.' Tessa began to unpack all of her clothes, hanging them in the wardrobe (Who really owns a wardrobe?). when she reached the middle she found her straightener and curling irons she barley ever used and the make-up she had never touched. She found her old converse and box of bobby-pins and hair ties. Everything was there... and more.
When Tessa finally dug down to the bottom of her suitcase and found a strange looking box and a note, she knew she should have called Charlotte. Or at least found Jem, or, if she was desperate, Will. But, the curiosity was killing her. So she slipped the not out form the slightly crumpled bow. It read:
Dearest Theresa,
I am so delighted that you decided to accept your invitation to the institute. I have been waiting ever so long for you to come to London. I have to say, I was slightly surprised you accepted, considering the recent death of your Aunt. It is my sincerest pleasure to provide you with a gown for this weekend's ball, to honor all of the inspirational work the students have been doing. We couldn't have you not attend because you lack a dress. Please consider meeting me in the basement of the school. I have many things planned for you. You will be of much help to me Theresa. Until this weekend,
M.
Even though Tessa was getting more nervous and queasy by the second, she opened the box. Inside was a long purple ball gown. It was strapless with a gleaming pinkish overlay. It has beading and embroidery that started out really compressed at the top and spread out until there were only a few at the bottom. It was absolutely breath-taking. And it looked so amazing on Tessa. It contrasted her light skin perfectly and somehow managed to make her grayish blue eyes look a darker blue. Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
To Tessa's supreme surprise it was the girl. Jessamine. "Jem and Will are currently downstairs fighting about who should come and get you for dinner. It's a curious thing, in all of the time I have known them, I have never seen them argue. But you, you make them both almost… hostile."
"Thank-you for informing me that dinner is ready. I will be down in a moment." Jessamine rolled her eyes and strolled down the hall towards the stairs, probably to the dining room. Tessa took a few minutes to change into a fresh t-shirt and pull her hair up. Then she set out to find the dining room in this labyrinth of a house.
i will probably add more by the 22