Bridges Of Time

Chapter 10

2004
Idris High, Cooperstown

Magnus is rummaging through his locker when he sees Alec walking through the Idris High hallway after almost four days of being a no-show at school. Every head turns in his direction, gazing at their beloved Student Body president as he quietly walks through the crowd, his usual light snubbed a little. He however looks completely different, his eyes downcast and his face devoid of the smile that usually adorns his bright and beautiful face. Everyone in the school is aware that the Lightwoods have suffered a deep personal loss, with Maryse's mother passing away the day Alec left to visit her in the hospital. He is grieving, just like his family.

Alec reaches to his locker and presses the combination to unlock, quietly placing his backpack inside and pulling out his books and notes for the next class. Magnus watches his moves, his heart sinking at the way Alec's hands are trembling and shaking. "Alexander," he approaches him and calls his name, leaning against the next locker. "Hey, are you okay?"

Alec looks over the locker door, his hazel eyes reflecting deep sadness. He tries to muster a small smile but fails and tears his gaze away to continue to organize his locker and pull out his notes. "I am... fine, Magnus. Managing."

"You don't have to manage," Magnus insists, his voice soft and comforting. He takes a step further and places a gentle hand on his arm. "We are all here for you. Every step of the way. You don't have to pretend that you're okay in front of us."

Alec stops, his hands still inside his locker. He takes a deep breath and turns in Magnus' direction, his voice barely above a whisper, "I was really close to my grandmother. My entire life... I have just known her to be there, watching me and Izzy grow up, being the first person I called when something happened in our lives. I have not known a life where my grandmother was not part of it, but now, she's gone. What do I say, what do I tell myself. How do I process that she's no more?"

Magnus clasps his hand around Alec's wrist, his heart breaking "Hey... hey..." He knows exactly what Alec is going through. He lost his grandfather and mother, all before the age of 12. Losing a grandparent is usually one's first foray into personal loss and grief. And with any form of grief, it only heals with time. You never really stop missing those you've lost. You just learn to live without them, and their absence gets easier to bear. "I am so sorry for your loss, Alexander." He comforts his friend, stepping closer to him and lowering his voice. "I understand what you're going through. I know how you feel, but I want you to know that you're not alone. And you don't have to go through this by yourself."

Alec nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He swallows hard and looks around trying to keep his composure, hoping the school didn't just see him break down. "Thanks." His voice his hoarse, probably from all the crying in the past few days. "I... have a lot to do with the fundraiser, and my assignments are all delayed, so I'll probably miss the science class." He wipes the corner of his eyes.

Magnus nods, "Don't worry, I'll make notes for you from Biology class. Bring them over when I am done with my work. Help you with the fundraiser. Any heavy-lifting you need. Will you be in the library?"

Alec manages a small but grateful smile, "Yeah. I really appreciate it."

The bell rings, and Magnus lets go Alec's hand, giving his should a reassuring squeeze as they walk their opposite ways.

.

(Library)

Magnus arrives to the library to find Alec sitting in his corner, working on his reports. Physics books and research material is spread around him, interspersed with documentation needed for the fundraiser gala. "Hey," he announces his arrival, dropping his bag in a corner. Alec responds with a weak hmm and returns his focus back on his assignment. Magnus tugs at his pants and sits down on the carpeted floor, leaning sideways to see if anyone else from the council is hanging out with Alec as well. "What are you working on?"