Chapter Thirty-one: I can't go back there.

'You look like your mother.' He knows my mum? How?

'How do you know my mother?' I asked.

'It's a long story.' Luke's voice was empty of emotion.

'Oh, ok.' I hate awkward silences. I drank the last bit of alcohol that was remaining in my class. 'Well, it's been nice meeting you Luke but I should get going.'

'Nice to meet you too and ok, see you around.' He gave a slight wave goodbye as I left the pub.

I still couldn't bring myself to go back to the Institute, I found myself stumbling around until I came to a house. I walked up the footpath and knocked on the door. The door swung open straight after I knocked. 'Alec?' He sounded confused. 'What are you doing here?'

'I'm sorry to bother you, but I think you should know this. It's Clary-'

'Clary! What's happened!' He was panicked.

'I think you would need to sit down for this.' He nodded and led me to the kitchen where we found his mother sitting at the table.

'Hello Mrs. Lewis.' I said to the women.

'Hello Alec?' I smiled.

'Mum could you give us a minute please?'

'Sure, I'll just be in the other room if you need me.' She left.

'What's going on Alec!' Simon said in the same panicked voice.

'Clary has past.' His already pale face had managed to go even paler. 'But Magnus is going to try to bring her back.' I quickly continued.

'How did she go?' He whispered.

'I should tell you what has happened over the last few days.' I explained what had happened. When I had finished he looked away and stood up. 'What are you doing?' I asked.

'I'm going over to the Institute, are you coming?'

'Um, no, I'll meet you there.' I need to see Magnus, it's only been a few hours and I need to see him!

'I'm so sorry if I woke you.'

'Don't be sorry babe; I wanted to see you anyway. Coffee?' Magnus was standing in his kitchen wearing a purple robe.

'No thanks.'

'You sure? I can smell alcohol on you.'

'On second thought, yes please.' He smiled at me and handed the cup of steaming hot coffee.

'Alec, you tired, you should be in bed asleep.'

'I can't go back to the Institute.'

'Why not?'

'I don't want to see Jace's face, or Izzy, or even Max's. It just makes me feel guilty for not being able to bring them happiness. After everything that's happened I can't believe things just keep getting worse and worse for them. I want everything to go back to normal. Like how it used to be! Where Dad wasn't a vampire! And Clary wasn't dead!-'