The New Neighbour

Chapter 5

Jace's POV:

"You okay, big bro? ", I ask, slipping beside him. He is leaning over the railings of the balcony looking at the bright sky, still wearing his pajamas. His black hair is not so perfect as it always looks and his bright blue eyes reflect the stars.

"Yeah, fine", he says.

"Why are standing at the balcony in the middle of the night if you're fine? ", I ask.

"I was just thinking about things", he says.

"Everything's alright, Alec. This is a new life. You need to get rid of the past. It isn't helping us", I say.

"Have you got rid of the past? ", he asks.

"No. But, I'm trying to", I say.

"Max living with us seems like a dream, you know", he says.

"I know. It's worth every struggle we went through", I say.

"You and Izzy didn't have to come with me. You could've stayed back", he says.

"What? Live without you? We'd rather die", I say.

He smiles a genuine smile and I smile back. It's been ages since I saw this side of him. He was always so serious and sad, that I forget he is just twenty three at times.

"What's with you and Magnus? ", I ask.

"Between us? Nothing", he says.

"There's something between you two. I mean, some chemistry. You look at him like he is magic and he looks at you like you created the universe", I say.

"We don't", he says.

"You both do. Ask him out", I say.

"What if he's straight?", he asks.

"He's bisexual. So, you do have a chance", I say.

"Oh! But, if he says no, it's gonna be awkward for the rest of my life. And, I don't think I'm quite ready for a relationship now. After you know everything", he says.

"Alright. I understand. But don't let the past stand in the way of your future", I say.

"So, are you seeing someone?", he asks.

"Promise me, you won't get mad", I say.

"Alright", he says, looking at me, crossing his arms.

"Luke's daughter, Clary", I say.

"Luke's daughter? Okay", he says.

"You're mad, aren't you ?", I ask.

"No. It's just that if you both break up. It'll be awkward for me to see Luke. How long have you been dating? ", he asks.

"Um three days", I say.

"Three days? Wait, is that even dating? ", he asks, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

I simply shrug.

"Whatever Jace. Make sure you stick with her", he says.

"I intend to", I say.

"So, good night, baby brother", he says.

"I'm not your baby brother", I say.

"You are", he says.

"Alec, do you think they'll miss us? ", I ask.

"I don't know, Jace. I'm not sure", he says.

"Good night, big bro", I say.

"Good night", he says and I see him disappear into his room and I walk into mine.

Magnus's POV:

"Good morning, mom. How are you? Can you see me? ", I ask.

"Fine, dear. And, how are you? Yeah, I can see you", she says.

"Good. Are you taking your tablets regularly? Have you finished packing? ", I ask.

"I am taking them regularly. And, packing is over", she says.

"I'll be at the airport at ten. So, how is your book coming up?", I ask.

"Good. It's almost over", she says.

"Awesome", I say.

"What happened, Magnus? You look happier than usual", she says.

"Do I? Everything's just usual", I say.

"It's someone special, isn't it?", she asks.

"No", I say.

"Don't hide things from your mother, Magnus", she says, smirking.

"There's no one special in my life, mom", I say.

"Uh huh", she says.

"Seriously, mom", I say.

"Alright, so, Magnus", she says.

"Something important happened, right? ", I ask.

"Yeah", she says.

"And, I'm not gonna like it", I say.

"True", she says.

"Tell me", I say.

"It's your father. He contacted me", my mom says.

"What did he want? After all these years? ", I ask.

"He said he was sorry. He seemed sincere", she says.

"He is either a liar or a great actor. I don't wanna see his face ever again", I say.

"He's still your father", she says.

"He isn't my father. I don't wanna talk about him. I don't think I can forgive him for what he did. No one can, mom. What he did was cruel", I say.

"I understand, Magnus", she says.

"Please mom. It's always been the two of us and it always will be. He's always been dead to me. I don't care if he's seems sincere or not. Let's not talk about him. You're everything to me, mom. I don't care about anyone else. Don't talk about him ever ever again ", I say.

"Alright, alright", she says.

"I'm sorry. It's just. I need some time to cool off. I'll call you in the evening", I say.

"Love you, Magnus", she says.

"Love you too, mom", I say and cut the call.