Simon paced nervously on the Lightwood's front step. Were vampires supposed to be dry mouthed and nervous? Was he supposed to be fighting off the urge to vomit? Or praying to God (he could still think the name at least) that her parents wouldn't answer the door? No he supposed not but then again he wasn't the average vampire. He brushed the mark Clary had seared onto his brow. No not average at all. His sharp ears heard light and familiar footsteps approaching the door. 'It's not a real date' he told himself over and over. 'She just wants a little dinner and a friendly chat'. The door gave a comforting creak and opened, bathing Isabelle in a halo of muted light. She looked like some mythical dark haired angel. Izzy had always been able to do that with her beauty. It would make you believe she wasn't real, too good to be true.
She skipped down the steps smiling. The lights in Alicante bathed the night in a delicate glow. "Hi Isabelle.", he said. "Hey Simon. So what did you have in mind for dinner?" They started walking toward the center of the city. "I don't know the food here. You tell me." She looked down a her feet, not encased in boots for once. She wore delicate sandals. She knew as well as the next Simon wouldn't know what to eat in the City of Glass. He was an outsider... how could she be so stupid?
"Oh. Of course. I know the perfect place."
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"Welcome to Nix", the waiter said, giving a warm smile to Isabelle. Simon fought back the urge to growl at him. Barely. Isabelle returned the gesture politely and the waiter had them seated. In the most crowded portion of the restaurant he could find. "Do you like it?" Simon nodded. It was dimly lit, the walls were draped with black satin, muted candles lay atop the tables. And it was also informal, a plus since he had barely managed to put on clean jeans. Isabelle was striking as always with her hair down, wearing a long flowing skirt and a shirt that matched her eyes.
"So what news did you have to tell me?" he asked finally. She glanced up from looking at her menu. "Well you know I'll be turning eighteen shortly..." Simon gave a cursory glance at the menu. "Yes." She set the menu aside. "And I've decided to do something that I've always wanted to do." He paused. There was no way in hell... "And I've thought about it for a long time, I heard my mom talk about it, and I brought it up again tonight before you came to get me, it's very special you see--" His breathing became shortened and he was about to say something. She couldn't be thinking what he thought (or maybe hoped) she was thinking. The waiter interrupted them just then, taking their orders. He ordered an extra-rare steak and Isabelle something he didn't hear.
"Now about you turning eighteen...?" She beamed at him. "I'm going to run an Institute!" Simon balked. "An Institute?Like in New york? Shouldn't you be older for that job?" She nodded. "Yeah everyone else thought so too but then the head honcho told me because of my unique and extensive experience I would be perfect for the job!" He tried to hide ti but he was crestfallen. "That's great! Where?". She shrugged. They don't know where to send me yet." he nodded and ell silent and the waiter showed up and put their food on the table. "Well I have news too." He said toying with his steak. "I'm going back to New york...soon." Her fork clattered to the floor. "W-what?"
"Well I can't stay here forever. I've already stayed too long. I have a family, friends, school and a mother to get back to Izzy. You knew that though didn't you?". She nodded. "I just...oh never mind Simon I'm sure you'll be back. You and Clary are back to being best friends now anyway."
"I'll be back when I can." she smiled blindingly. "Oh I know. Be sure to send Maia my best.". Gone was friendly Isabelle. Her face was now an icy mask. What had he done? They ate the rest of their meal in silence.
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"And you better call me damn it!" Clary demanded hugging him tightly. "Clary you don't get cell reception here." He corrected her. Her brow furrowed. She kept on forgetting that. "Well then I'll visit you as often as I can." she reprimanded. Jace chuckled lightly in the background with his sister Isabelle glaring in Simon's direction. Simon bowed his head to avoid her gaze. "Well I should be off then..." He stood in front of the portal visualizing New York Carefully. "Goodbye Simon." He looked back just as he stepped forward. Isabelle's blue eyes were shining and for a moment the mask was gone and Simon had to wonder from the look in her eyes if she really did care after all.
------Woot! I'm back online! Well you can expect another chapter from me for this story, R&R. Much appreciated! -TheLupineRebel