Efflorescence (Sequel)

Efflorescence Twenty

Seven in the morning comes slowly. The lack of sleep has yet to catch up with me and I'm thankful for that. The sunlight- new and fresh- seems to settle in the curvature of Alexander's eyelashes, get caught in the dip of his cheekbones and on the edge of his jaw. He holds the door to the cafe we've chosen open for me and I smile to myself as I walk inside.

It's early enough that the only occupants are businessmen and women in their dress clothes, briefcases hugged tight to their thighs as they wait for their orders to start the day. Normally, that would be me. But not today. It seems like lately, everything normal has hidden from me. Maybe it's a good thing.

Standing in line next to Alec is a slow kind of torture. I battle with myself relentlessly. Would it be alright to take his hand? Would he pull away? What would it mean? Would it give me all the answers I came here looking for?

His hand explores the expanse of my arm, grabbing my attention. One brow is lifted quizzically as his fingers drift over my own.

"You look a little lost there. What's up?" He asks quietly as we both take a step forward.

"I'm fine. Overwhelmed, I guess." It's a cop-out answer and I know it but I can't bring myself to ask him anything important, not when I'm so afraid he'll disappear. I offer him a reassuring smile that he returns, a bit hesitantly, as though he's not quite falling for it.

"Understandable- oh, good morning. Can we have-" The barista looks as if she's going to pass out when she interrupts Alec.

"Oh my god. You. You're Alexander Lightwood. And you're Magnus Bane." I glance at Alec and then back to her, wondering why she's freaking out.

"Yes, we are. Can we help you?" Alec asks softly, smiling at her with slight amusement.

"Your music is...it's everything. And you!" She turns to me, making me jump a bit with her enthusiasm.

"And me?" I ask, though I'm not sure if I want the answer.

"My parents were so upset when you went to Milan a few months ago. They have this resort that they want you to decorate." I chuckle and smile. Now this feels a bit more normal.

"Well, here's my business card. I'll...hopefully be in town for awhile." I cast a quick look at Alec, not enough to gauge anything important, but his expression eases my nerves a little. Glancing behind us, I see a small line forming. 

"Does that mean the two of you are back together? I've been checking the headlines, but-"

"We're not sure what we are yet. But, we would greatly appreciate it if you kept it under the table for now." Alexander responds smoothly. The small girl nods, a slightly aggressive bob of her head. I chuckle at the picture it makes. After snapping a few photos with her and signing some things, we finally get our coffees and exit the growing line of, probably, annoyed customers.

Settling into a seat near the back, I look across the table at Alec. "I didn't think about the publicity of this. I'm sorry." I apologize. It could make everything for us far more difficult if the media gets involved. That's the worst part; having your personal, difficult relations posted on the cover of magazines. It takes away your freedom to work through things at a normal pace and in a normal way.

"I don't mind. Magazine covers are just that. Why should I care if they want to make a story out of me? It's not like they know anything." A small grin works it's way onto my lips as I look down at my coffee, rubbing my thumb along the smooth, white porcelain.

"So how's Max doing?" I look back up at him to see his slight shrug.

"He's getting a bit better. Apparently, the process of getting everything back to what it was can take a couple of years. Max freaked out a bit when he heard that, but he's coming to terms with everything." I nod, taking it all in. I feel poorly about having left. Max and I have always gotten along well, and I feel as though somehow I've let him down.