One more chapter. It is not the date scene. Yet. Enjoy
Yesterday I didn't have time to think about it all. We got called up a few minutes after the phone call -there was a horde of minor demons living in the subway system- and it took us a few hours to get rid of them all. After that I was too hurt and exhausted to think about anything. I fell asleep the minute we got home and my head hit the pillow. That was good; the not thinking part because it wouldn't be good if I got the chance to think about the fact that I have a date with Magnus tonight. I knew I would over think it… Just like I'm doing now; lying in my bed at five in the morning, after only a few short hours of sleep, and not being able to go to sleep again because my thoughts won't let me.
Thinking about it is only making me more nervous. Making me have second thoughts. I have never been on a date before. What do I do? What do I say? What if I screw it up? What do you talk about with a Downworlder anyway? The thought about asking Izzy crossed my mind but I dismissed it immediately. She can't know about this. She's been trying to get me a boyfriend from the moment I admitted to her that I was gay-which was only a few months ago-and I don't even want to imagine what her reaction would be if she finds out that I have a date. With the High Warlock of Brooklyn of all people. Yes, the High Warlock. I knew his name sounded familiar but it didn't even cross my mind that he is the warlock that my parents call for emergencies-they don't like Downworlders but sometimes they need them. I figured it out an hour ago when I first woke up. And I know that this is worse than I first thought it is but I can't help wanting to go nonetheless.
I groaned and rolled out of bed before the "right versus wrong" argument started up inside my head again. I tried to stretch and ended up wincing instead. 'The wounds aren't healed yet.' I reminded myself before going to the bathroom to take a shower. I figured it would be better if I do something until I have to go and everything will be fine. I just can't let myself think about it.
Easier said than done.
As I limped to the kitchen I knew it wouldn't work like that. We were all sore so no training today. Which I normally wouldn't mind. However, today, I can't allow myself to have free time.
I was never happier to see Izzy in the kitchen then I was at that very moment. I almost smiled in relief when I saw her. She can be my distraction I thought as I sat at the counter and watched her cook. Whatever she was making looked a sickly shade of green and I scrunched up my nose in disgust but didn't say anything. At least it would take my mind off of my date.
"Morning Alec." She greeted me when I sat down.
"Morning." I mumbled, massaging my shoulder to ease the pain.
"So…" She started, turning around. "What was with you yesterday?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused. I didn't do anything yesterday. Did she see the writing on my arm? I tried not to panic and subconsciously starting rubbing my fully covered arm.
"You were a lot more quiet than usual." She stated looking concerned. "And you were way too bad at training than normal. Even on your worse day, you usually put up a better fight."
'She noticed.' I thought surprised and then a little scared. What do I tell her? I can't just lie to her. She'll see right through me. It's not like she will be able to guess the truth but still. I need a good excuse.
"I just had a lot on my mind, that's all." I answered trying to sound nonchalant. At least it's not a lie.
"Like what?" She asked, not letting it go.
"Like Clary and Jace. And the fact that she was there. Watching him. " It had passed through my mind didn't it? They are always on my mind.
"This wasn't the first time she was watching. And you weren't that bad the other times."
"I was tired!" I snapped, almost yelling at her. "The night before you made me go to that stupid club and I was tired, and angry, and annoyed, and- and just… Just let it go, ok?!"
"Ok. Ok. No need to yell." She said, looking annoyed herself and turning back to her abomination of breakfast.
I was already regretting snapping at her like that. It is not her fault I am on edge today. "Sorry." I whispered an apology knowing she will hear it.
"Don't worry about it. It is not my business and I shouldn't have interrogated you like that." She said not turning around. "I'm starting to act like mum." She said sounding horrified at the thought.
We both laughed at that.
"Where is Jace anyway?" I asked figuring that it's already eight and that he should be up by now.
"He went out to meet up with Clary an hour ago." I could hear it in her voice again: the pity. She didn't even need to turn around for me to know what she was thinking. For me to know that she was feeling sorry for me.
I got up. "I'm not hungry." I lied, trying to get away before she starts talking about Jace and I again. I don't need to hear it again. I will just come back and eat a little later. I thought as I exited the kitchen and started heading for the library.
Hodge wasn't there today so I was able to find a book and read in peace and quiet. I was trying to concentrate on the book but thoughts of Magnus were there instead. They were waiting just below the surface for any opportunity to take over my mind. The worries. The wants. The fear. Everything. And then there was Jace. Out with Clary again. I didn't know what was worse. Thinking about the date or thinking about her.
My day went by like that. Reading. Concentrating. And then occasionally slipping. It was all too much.
As the clock struck seven Jace still hadn't came back. But I found myself not being able to care because by then I was too consumed by my worries and fears. In right and wrong. I couldn't care about anything else right now. Even jace. Which was a new feeling for me.
I quickly showered and changed-nothing special, just my normal everyday clothing-and slowly crept out of my room. I didn't want anyone seeing me and then asking questions. That wouldn't be good. I was able to get to the elevator without being caught but I didn't relax until I was safely out of The Institute. When I was out in the cold, I sighed in relief and started walking. The address written on my hand was in Brooklyn so it didn't take me too long to get there. As I found myself getting closer and closer my heartbeat quickened. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea I thought as I walked the last block. Just as I was thinking about turning around and going back home I found myself in front of the building that was my destination. It looked no different from all the others on that street but it still made my heart beat even faster. In fear and anticipation. No turning back now I thought as I walked towards it. I looked at the buzzer with the name 'Bane' written next to it. I took one last deep breath and pressed it.
"Who calls upon The High Warlock?!" The voice boomed through the speaker.
Hope I didn't screw up too badly on this one. You will get the date scene in the next one but I don't know when that will be because school starts again tomorrow. Hope I could update soon though. Still stuck with the date scene but slowly making progress. Help if you can.