Chapter 15

Title: Forget?

"Can you pass me the water? Please?" Alec said for the third time. He had just gotten out of the hospital a couple of days ago and was currently resting on the sofa. He had avoided any major complications during surgery but took him a while to finally come to his senses. He was sent home with an enormous amount of pills and strict instructions to take it easy.

"Here you go." Jace gave him the glass full of water along with his pills for the day. "How is your side?" Jace said referring to his ribs. Alec rubbed the area lightly.

"Still hurts like hell and the pills don't seem to do much. Can you pass me the tray?" I grabbed the tray full of papers from his work.

"I know you have to inform your colleague about these cases but do you have to spent so much time on them?" I said shaking my head. "The doctor said no work. You hit your head pretty hard."

"She's right you know." Jace added and I nodded.

Alec sighed. "I'm bored and I need to do something. Plus I also feel bad about both you. I know mom wanted the wedding to happen soon, but she didn't have to move the wedding day to next week." My heart did a little leap and I stole Jace's glance. He looked away.

Maryse was so scared during Alec's time in the hospital that I actually started to like her. Not because she was suffering. We all were after all, but because her attitude towards me started changing. She became more… how should I say… more placid with an edge here and there. She got so scared that she insisted to have the wedding sooner. 'Life's too short', she kept repeating and how much she wanted grandchildren before she dies. She wasn't that old, at least she didn't look like she was.

Maryse also had the brilliant idea to make Jace move temporary into our small apartment until Alec was well enough to be able to do things on his own. It was only for a couple of days-Alec was doing extremely well now-but Maryse insisted, and when she does, everyone must follow along.

I looked between them their smiles lighting their faces as they were talking and I could almost see them as kids, supportive and trusting. How could I ruin that? I loved Alec but also had feelings for Jace. I wasn't sure just yet if it was something at the moment or not. I had to figure this out and quick. It didn't help that Jace was spending his nights over. When night came and Alec was asleep I could almost feel him resting on the sofa, hear his low breaths and rumbles as he dreamt. Sometimes he wouldn't make a sound but I was sure I could almost hear his sighs making me want to go and comfort him. It wasn't only me that couldn't sleep.

Since the hospital Jace has been careful around me. He only spoke to me if needed, and he dedicated all his free time to Alec. I was glad but at the same time it made me sad how he avoided any eye contact all together. I wanted those golden eyes to stare only me.

Later that day Jace took Alec to the doctor for a follow up and I was left alone. I was almost done making dinner when the doorbell rang. I looked at the door wondering who it was. Alec's parents had gone home just yesterday so it couldn't have been them. Then, considering how Maryse was acting lately I wouldn't put it past her.

I quickly wiped my hands with the kitchen towel and went to answer the door. Isabelle walked past me without uttering a word and stood in the middle of the room her back facing mine. I closed the door and slowly turned to her.

"Isabelle, em" I didn't know what to say. There was this unsettling feeling between us since she ran into us the day Alec had the accident, and I hadn't had the chance to talk to her. I had no idea how to approach this and from the vibes I was getting from her now I knew deep down that she saw us. I couldn't avoid this any longer. Isabelle must have suffered trying to keep this a secret, not being able to tell Alec.

"Look, I.." I started. "That day I-"

"I know." She turned and faced me, her face sad. "I'm not going to say I'm happy about what I saw but I thought… I mean you're getting married to Alec in two weeks! How can you do that to him?"

I stared at the floor. "It j-just happened." I darted a glance at her. "I was going to end it… and I swear," I stepped closer to her grabbing her shoulder and looking into her eyes. "I had no idea he was Alec's brother. We both had no idea." Isabelle then hugged me. I wasn't expecting it but I sure needed it.

"You know I kind threatened Jace to leave you alone," she said and pulled away.

"What do you mean?"

She drew her hair behind her ear. "I don't know what exactly happened between you, but I believe you when you say you didn't know. I just needed to hear it, but at that moment I thought that you were both… you know… and at the hospital he seemed too protective of you. How can you both be lying to poor Alec."

"No, it was a one time thing, really." I said desperately. "We just happened to run into each other a few times and… it was just a distraction, nothing more." I wasn't sure whom I was lying to.

Isabelle fell on the kitchen stool. "So what are you going to do? You clearly can never tell Alec." She scratched her head. "Hm… it's good that Jace is away for long periods of time. You'll end up meeting only on family occasions. Give it some time and you'll both put it behind you." She stood up and went for a glass of water. I reached for her seat.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused. I thought she understood, that I didn't have to explain in details my feelings. I had come to a point where I had to choose.

"What do I mean?" She took a sip of water. "I can tell by the way he looks at you that it wasn't a one time thing. You need to make it clear to him. He needs to forget you."