HeartBLOOD

Chapter fifty

Good morning, birthday girl!, Magnus cheered and pulled Isabelle into a hug, who still wore last nights sparkly purple dress. Oh my god, thank you guys!, she smiled and gave first Magnus, then Alec a hug. Happy birthday, Iz., Alec smiled and handed her a bouquet of roses that he picked up twenty minutes ago. Thank you. Were officially both in our twenties, isnt that insane?, she asked whilst taking off her heels. Dont even remind me., Alec chuckled and got a vase for the flowers, which Isabelle held quite helplessly. I dont even feel that old., Isabelle laughed and made her way to the kitchen. Lets hope it stays that way., Magnus laughed with a side-gaze to Alec who shook his head, chuckling- they had just talked about how much time had passed. You guys, this is so pretty!, Isabelle exclaimed as she saw the decorated kitchen, fresh croissants and her birthday cake in the center of it. We tried to make it as good as it got., Magnus said whilst Alec disappeared into the living room where he had hidden two presents. Looking through the drawers, his gaze got stuck to a bottle of mens perfume- the one Simon had always used and once forgotten at Izzys place. With a deep breath, he picked up the presents- there was no way this was going to be easy for her.

Here comes the man with the gifts!, Magnus cheered whilst Isabelle finished her glass of water. You didnt have to get me anything!, she exclaimed sincerely- truly, Magnus and Alec being there and going out of their way with this breakfast and the cake was already enough of a present to her. Well, whats bought is bought., Alec smiled and gave her a black paper bag. Slowly peaking inside, she squeaked in excitement: No way! Alec grinned- he had overheard Isabelle talking to a friend on the phone, saying she wanted some sort of colorful bag. So, having a fashionista boyfriend, they had made their way to the city to come back with a beautiful indigo leather bag, decorated with silver zippers and snake engravings. This is stunning! Thank you guys so much!, she exclaimed and pulled both into another hug. To be fair, Magnus picked it out., Alec chuckled, But I am glad you like it. Of course I do!, she grinned, Magnus would never pick something bad. He picked you, after all. Your sister is a gift from heaven., Magnus smiled and gratefully took in all the validation for his sense of style. Talking about gifts from heaven., Alec sighed and his voice lowered, Simon had bought this for you back in November and hid it in my room so you wouldnt find it by accident. Swallowing, Isabelle took the small, blue box out of Alecs hands and opened it. In it laid a beautiful, silver bracelet with three round charms as well as a note in Simons handwriting:

May there be many more memories to add to these,

Love, Simon

On each charm was a date on the one side and a symbol on the other side. The ferry!, Isabelle exclaimed, We took it on our first date., she said whilst flipping the according charm through her fingers. And the stars, for the first time he told me he loved me., she said, Back in that rooftop bar under the open sky.. Alec bit his lip- this wasnt fair. It wasnt fair Simon wasnt giving this gift to Isabelle himself. It wasnt fair there werent going to be more charms added to the bracelet. It all wasnt fair. And the Chinese sign for love, when we started to date again after the break we took- have I told you guys that we randomly bumped into each other whilst picking up our Chinese takeout?, Isabelle sighed before peeling her gaze off of her gift. You never did! I have always wondered how you found back to each other., Magnus smiled sadly and saw how hard Isabelle was trying to keep it together. In this moment, Alec and Isabelle looked extremely alike- both had that same twist of the corner of their mouths when they were trying to cover their sadness. Can you help me put it on?, Isabelle asked Alec, breaking the silence. He could tell the heartbreak in her eyes, how much she needed comfort but knew, that the one person that could bring her comfort right now just wasnt walking the same earth anymore. Of course., Alec smiled weakly and felt the warmth of her hand in his lap when he closed the silver bracelet with the charms attached to it around her wrist- it fit perfectly. It suits you., he smirked, happy she chose to wear it- at first, he wasnt even sure whether shed want it, but seeing that little spark in her eyes when she first opened the box told him otherwise. Yeah, you do look beautiful, over all., Magnus replied, One couldnt even imagine you were out clubbing all night. Even though Ill never forgive Alec for inheriting the blue eyes, at least hes the one that inherited the dark eyebags as well., she chuckled, brushing off the weight of the moment and proceeding to cut herself a piece of cake. See? It all comes at a cost., Alec grinned and made himself a cup of coffee. I guess so., she said and took a first bite. So, last nights party was good?, Magnus changed the subject. Absolutely. We had a blast and actually managed to get some free drinks because of my birthday., she smiled and unlocked her phone to show some pictures. You and your girls look incredible!, Magnus exclaimed, admiring all their outfits, I like the cream dress of your friend, she looks like she jumped straight out of a 2000s movie. Right? Its to die for. Alec, do you remember her? Cindy, from high school? Randomly bumped into her at the club last night, her and some other friends are coming over this afternoon to have coffee and cake to celebrate a little more. Im sorry, I have no clue of who she is., Alec admitted, But something about her seems familiar. Youll meet her tonight, maybe thatll enlighten you., Izzy smirked with a wink.