CHAPTER 24

A few days had passed, and there weren’t any Robert visits. 

“Alexander are you ready? It’s getting late…” Magnus said putting on his eyeliner.

“I’ve been ready for almost 15 minutes now…” Alec said making his poker face.

“Fine…fine…I’m ready…let’s go…sweet pea must be waiting for us…” Magnus said.

They got in the car and arrived at Raphael’s place. It was a day that Magnus was so eagerly waiting for, it was Madzie’s first birthday. Magnus had bought a load of gifts and the back seat of the car was filled with them.

“Alexander a little help here!” Magnus said trying to get all the bags by himself.

“You and your gifts…” Alec shook his head and came to help Magnus.

“Alexander can you ring the bell my hands are full” Magnus said signalling Alec.

Alec smiled at his fiancé who was overly excited to see Madzie and rang the bell. 

As soon as the door opened Magnus ran inside giving all the gift bags to Raphael and hugged Madzie. 

“Happy Birthday sweet pea!!” he said kissing her on the cheek.

“Are these for Madzie?” Raphael asked turning to Alec.

Alec nodded “and these too” he said giving 4 more bags to Raphael. 

Raphael laughed and took the bags into their room. 

“Izz and Si are on the way…” Catarina said walking out from the kitchen. “You guys are pretty early…”

“Mags wanted to come earlier than others so he could play with Madzie…” Alec said. “Need any help in the kitchen?”

“No…all good…just have to take the cookies out of the oven” Catarina said and smiled.

After about an hour and half the others arrived.

“No Robert news lately?” Jace asked from Alec.

“No…and I’m surprised…I feel like something bad will happen soon…” Alec said.

“Don’t worry Alec, I’ll be here for you…” Jace assured.

“Not leaving?” Alec asked.

“No…I extended my leave for 2 more weeks…Clary is leaving tomorrow though…” Jace said.

“Clary might feel lonely, you should go with her…don’t think about me...Mags, Izzy and Si are all here…” Alec said.

“Alec Lightwood, you are my brother…I can’t leave you like that…don’t worry about Clary she’ll be okay” Jace said patting Alec’s shoulder.

“Yeah Alec…don’t worry about me” Clary said walking to them. “Solve everything together…I’ll be fine” she said with a wink and walked to Magnus and Madzie.

“Okay…” Alec said with a sigh.

Then they heard the doorbell again.

Catarina walked to the door and it was Aline.

“Thank you for coming Aline, I thought you would not show up” Catarina said.

“How can I not? It’s little Madzie’s birthday” she said walking in.

“Helen is in the kitchen if you want to talk to her…” Catarina said.

Aline shook her head to say no and walked to where Alec was.

“Aline…how are you?” Alec asked.

“I’m fine…I guess” she said.

“Talked to Helen?”

“No…I don’t know…I don’t think I can” she said with a sigh.

“May be give it some more time…I know you like her too” Alec said with a smirk.

Aline blushed and covered her face.

“I’m going to join Magnus you wanna come?” Alec asked.

“No I’ll just stay here for a while…” she said noticing Helen walking towards Magnus and the others. 

Alec smiled and joined the others.

********************

After cutting the birthday cake, Aline excused herself to walk in the backyard.

“This is your chance” Alec whispered to Helen.

Helen took a deep breath and nodded and walked outside to follow Aline to the backyard.