2) "What isn't home is not life"

                                    

                                          
Cecily and Sophie took Tessa out to get her mind off of the recent events in the Institute. They had gone to the park to watch the animals and relax. Tessa sat at an end and the two other girls sat next to her. Tessa noticed that the people were starting to leave the park. Cecily said, "Its a beautiful day out." Tessa just nods.
                          
"Tessa, what's wrong?" asked Sophie.
                          
Tessa simply replied, "I am just trying to think of places that Will and I could go to live if this doesn't work out."
                          
She looks down. Sophie takes her hand and holds it. "Don't worry. This will work out." Tessa looked up at them. Both Sophie and Cecily smile at her. Tessa smiles back. Sophie stands up, "Let's get back to the Institute. I have a feeling we all need some extra sleep." Tessa and Cecily nod in agreement.
                          
When the girls get back and Will, Gideon, and Gabriel are debating about what would be a better form of attack. Sophie and Cecily sigh. Tessa tries to stifle a laugh, putting a hand over her lips. Will and the Lightwood brothers don't see the girls. Cecily finally says, "Either take your debate upstairs where you can be loud or take a break for a while." 
                          
Gabriel is the first to look at them and says, "How was the stroll?" Cecily shrugs. 
                          
Sophie says, "It was good, we just needed to get away from the things in the Institute to collect a clear mind."
                          
She start taking off her gloves off. Tessa and Will make eye contact, they say nothing but Will knows Tessa is still off, on the whole issue with the Clave. Tessa breaks the eye contact first and heads to the attic to clear her thoughts. Will watches Tessa. Gideon sighs, "I hope the whole entire matter drops as soon as possible." 
                          
Will nods, "I as well. I hate seeing her like this."
                          


                          
To: Daniel Riverpush
                          
From: Consul Charlotte Branwell
                          
Dear Daniel Riverpush,
                          
Yesterday's events were intolerable. We do not address the people of the London Institute as "vermin" it is more than just disrespect. I would like you to show at least some respect to the members of the house this is including Theresa Herondale. I would also ask you to watch your temper when it comes to talking to Theresa, Sophie, Cecily, and that includes myself. I am a Consul. Please remember that.
                          
Other than those I do wish to ask you to come into the Institute to try to make these matters look like they have never happened. So lets put this behind us and come to terms if not I am afraid that people might get hurt in the process. 
                          
Yours in the Angle's name,
                          
Consul Charlotte Branwell
                          


                          
Henry heard of the issues with Daniel Riverpush and him trying to get rid of Tessa but he didn't realize the man would call Tessa a vermin. This had the whole Institute rattled and worried about Tessa. Will was with him. Will was filling Henry in with the recent events and when he heard the vermin comment he stopped what he was doing and looked at Will. "Daniel Riverpush called your wife, Tessa, a vermin? Is he trying to get into a fight about that?" Henry asked with a very dangerous glare that only Henry could make with his very red hair that he had. Will crossed his arms over his chest somewhat relaxed but also tense about the subject.
                          
"He did, and he was trying really hard to get rid of Tessa because the Clave is calling her a downworlder. Apparently they don't think they can trust her even after all of the things she has done for them." Henry was now leaning in his wheel chair glaring at the wall. "The downworlders have been trying to get some protection from the Clave and the Clave doesn't want to do anything that means downworlders are involved, but in Tessa's case she is Nephilim and downworlder. She has just as right to be both not one or the other. What Riverpush is doing is not fair to Tessa because she is both."
                          
Henry tried to explain without trying to say anything worse than what is already going on. 
                          
Will nods, "I just hope Tessa will be alright when I am gone with Charlotte."
                          
Henry looks at Will, "Will, I will try to keep her on her feet but I don't know for how long. We both know Tessa and her alliance but what we don't know is how far along she will break, and she does I don't think it will be good on her part or anyone else." 
                          
Will nods again. "Henry, do you think you can keep an eye on her?" 
                          
Henry smiles kindly, "Of course I can." Will smiles back. 
                          


                          
Tessa had gone up to the attic to try to get some air from the commotion around her. She was sitting on a trunk and looking out the window. The sky was dark and the rain was hitting the window. Tessa just watched scenes outside of the window. She heard loud footsteps coming up the attic stairs, she turned to look and saw that it was Will coming in. She smiled a little at him. Will smiles back to her and goes to sit next to her on the trunk. When he sits next to her, he wraps an arm around her shoulders. She rests her head on his shoulder. "You alright Tess?" Will asks her.
                          
She shrugs, "Yes, why do you ask?" Tessa looks up him. 
                          
"I was just a little worried, is all," Will answers. 
                          
They watch the rain come down and hit the window. "Remember when you first saw me up here?" Will asked remembering the memory.
                          
Tessa smiles, "I do. You had refused to drink the holy water after you bit de Quincy and threw a bucket out of the room. I finally got you to drink the holy water after a bit of talking and persuading."
                          
Will chuckles, "Was I not shirtless when that happened?" 
                          
Tessa smiles, "I think you were." 
                          
Will laughs more. She kisses him; Will picks Tessa up. He carries Tessa to their room and drops her on the bed and they start to kiss. He holds her close to him. She pulls away and looks at him. Will looks at her back. He cups Tessa's cheek with his hand, Tessa holds his hand that is on her cheek.
                          


                          
Tessa could not sleep that night; she got of bed careful not to wake Will in the process. It was around midnight and she went to the library. She saw Charlotte doing some light reading. Tessa asked, "Charlotte, you are having a hard time sleeping as well?"
                          
Charlotte looked up from her book. "Very. What brings you up to the library, Tessa?" Charlotte asks Tessa. 
                          
"Trouble sleeping." Charlotte nods knowing that it was the nervousness keeping Tessa up. 
                          
"Tessa, I can see if Bridget can bring up some tea. That might ease your mind." 
                          
Tessa rejected the offer, "Its alright Chralotte. Thank you for the offer though."
                          
Charlotte nodded understanding. "Tessa, we will make sure you don't get pushed out of the Institute." 
                          
Tessa nods. "I know that but if the Clave makes me leave, the home I have here, I won't have anywhere to go. What isn't home is not life, it's a prison." Tessa looks at her feet. Charlotte put the book down, stands up, and takes Tessa's hands.
                          
"You won't be kicked out. I will make sure of it." Tessa nods.
                          


                          
Edited: 2/7/19