Magnus's POV

Alexander just dropped me off and I can't believe how the night went... so much drama and stories and bonding. I also can't believe he had this whole other life in a coma.

As I walk up my stairs I see my mom sitting on her bed, her head in book. "You're up late." I say with a chuckle. I walk over to the far side of the bed and lay down next to her. "I wanted to hear how the date went. It's been so long since you dated anyone." She says, a huge smile on her face. I haven't seen a smile like this in a long time.

"It went... really well. Like, the best case scenario occurred. I told him." I say. My mom's smile quickly fades, her eyes opening wide. "Mom. It's like he knew... like this was meant to be-" And so I told her all about Alexander's coma life. Everything.

"Wow." Is the sole thing that comes out for a few seconds. "That is unbelievable. That's rarely heard of... Did he really know where our old house was?" I just smile and shake my head.

"It went really well." I say again. This time, emphasizing. "He knows who I am. Not just 'Malik,' but the real me. Magnus Bane. The guy who like going to clubs. Throwing parties. Going to fancy restaurants. Knows my past." I pause to look directly into my eyes. "And he doesn't care. He doesn't care how crazy my life. He makes me feel like I don't have to hide anymore."

My mom grabs my hand tightly and sucks in her bottom lip. She's trying to fight the tears but can hardly do it.

"I know... I know how you feel. I am so thrilled you are happy and you feel safe. It's been so long since we felt that way, huh? I wanted you to be comfortable and happy and I can tell... I can tell that you are finally happy."

I smile back at my mom, grabbing her hand softly. I rub my thumb across her knuckles. We sit there in silence for a while. She falls asleep quickly and I feel my eyes get tired. I hope off the bed and walk to her side to wrap her blanket around her. I check her phone to make sure she has an alarm set for work.

I walk out of the room, shutting the lights off behind me. I walk to my room and slip into bed, clothes and everything. Tonight was the best night I've had in the longest time. I fall asleep about an hour later.

*_______*

I go to school, thinking about Alexander and the night we shared a bit ago. I go through the day with questioning looks from my friends. That's until... lunch.

"Well, are you going to tell us about your smile?" Isabella asks, poking my shoulder. "Yeah, Malik. Are you going to share or make us pry it out of you?" Robert adds, shoving his shoulder against mine.

We sit alone as a group at one of the tables outside. Every clique or group of friends has their own table. Our's seems to be one of the loudest. But for this, I don't want to have the whole school know my secret.

"I went on a date this weekend." I say and before I can even continue, there is shrills from the girls and clapping between boys. "I am NOT sharing ALL the details..." I look around and see their wide eyes. "But, it went incredibly well. I think we will be having more dates."

"Man or women?" Lynn asks. I just smile and shake my head. "His name is Alec. He was at my party a while back with Clary and her friends." I say while I grab my vibrating phone out of my pocket. Before I can read the screen, Ash takes the phone out of my hand. In his smug British accent, he answers the phone "Malik's phone. Who's calling?" I try to reach for the phone but a split second later he smiles and raises his eyebrows

"It's Alec." He says before handing me the phone. I take it in my hand and walk away, so no one can hear. "Hello Alexander." I say, a smile stamped on my face.

"What time are you done with school on Friday?" He asks, matter of fact and to the point. "I am done with school at 3:30. I'll be home around 4:15. Why do you ask?" I can hear him nervously chuckle. It's almost as if he is afraid to say it.

"I want you to come meet my family and have dinner." He quickly blurts. My smile goes away. "You want me to meet your family?" I ask. "Is that a bad thing? I think it will go well." He says but I can tell he's not so sure.

Some awkward silence goes by. "I'd love to meet your family my dear Alexander. It could be fun." With that, my smile comes back. "Great.. Great!" He shouts through the phone. "Um, I'll pick you up around 6." And he hangs up the phone.

I walk back to the table with my friends and before I can even take a breath Ash goes "How's Alec doing?" I just roll my eyes and take a bit of my food.