Hey everyone! I know it's been so long without any updates, this story was just a spur of the moment especially since it's Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!
Disclaimer: Cassandra Clare owns these characters I just made up the plot.
Hope you enjoy please review! It's only 3,000 words sorry, I really did want to expand it but for now I just kept the shorter version...
An Old Flame Reignited
December 20th
"Soph, I'd like a warning before you call considering I am very busy." I didn't bother looking at the caller ID since I expected it to be my PA, Sophie Collins.
I felt Jordan plant kisses on my neck. "Hang up, Clare."
"Don't call me Clare." I said immediately to Jordan then I turned to my phone.
"It's not Sophia, Clarissa." My eyes widened as I recognised the cold, always formal voice
"Mother?!"I exclaimed into my phone, standing up from my compromising position on Jordan. I heard him wolf whistle as I grabbed my pink silk dressing gown from the foot of my bed.
"Yes, Clarissa. Your mother. Remember me?"
I swallowed and closed my eyes ready for a lecture.
"Why are you calling, mother?" I asked.
"Clary… do you want me to leave?" Jordan asked timidly.
"Don't be ridiculous. It'll only be a minute." He nodded and stayed on the bed.
"Are you with someone, Clarissa? A man I presume."
"What does that have to do with anything? What is it mom?"
"The Herondales are hosting a Christmas ball. And they want all the Morgensterns to be there."
"Newsflash mom. I'm in the opposite side of the country." I tried to find an excuse not to come. "And it's the busiest time of the year I can't get a plane ticket now." That was such a lie. I'm Clarissa Morgenstern. I can get what I want. Plus, I have a private jet.
"Clarissa don't lie to me."
I rolled my eyes, even through the phone she can see right through my lies. "Alright. I'll see what I can do."
"Wear something decent, will you?"
"Who do you think I am?" I heard her sigh then hung up.
I put the phone on my desk then turned to Jordan. "Where were we?"
-Page Break-
"Pick it up, Agatha!" I called out to my maid who was trailing behind me, shopping bags containing a pair of silver heels, a long red dress with white lace on covering the décolletage as well as being off the shoulders also a Bulgari necklace lined with diamonds and a row of 5 rubies and another of four of course with diamonds around them. "I still need to get a few presents." I gave her the keys to my car and told her to put the bags in the trunk of the car. "Call me when you're done and I'll tell you where I am."
She nodded obediently and took the keys then walked toward the car park.
"Miss Morgenstern?" I turned as I heard my name.
"Yes…?"
"Hi! Bridget Daly, office secretary?" She had hopeful eyes, as if I'd remember her.
"Oh of course, how are you?"
"I'm good thank you. Last minute Christmas shopping?" She asked.
"Yeah, family friends are having a Christmas ball so I've gotta get a few more presents."
"Oh well, I'll let you get to it then." She smiled and walked away.
Wow. My staff are actually pretty nice people.
I continued on with my shopping.
I remembered that Mrs. Herondale loved snow globes so I got her a pretty big one with Swarovski detailing ($2380). I got Mr. Herondale a Rolex watch ($2,000). I then got Valentine –my dad- an Armani suit ($900) and my mother a Dior chromic cat-eye sunglasses ($600) and I decided to get my brother a Thor helmet replica ($100), I was sure that I could talk to Kenneth Branagh about it. Then I was stumped. Who else is going?
I took my phone out. God I cannot believe I was going to call her.
"Talk to me." Her voice gives me the chills. It was just so… monotonous and cold.
"Hello mother, it's me. I called just to find out who else is coming?"
"I'll send you a list, you know them all anyway."
"Thank you." I cut the conversation short with that.
I received a text a few minutes later so I texted my thanks.
The Penhallows: Jia (47), Patrick (48), Aline (27)
The Blackthorns: Julian (22), Drusilla (18), Helen (28), Mark (26), Livia and Tiberius (20), Octavian (13)
The Carstairs: Emma (22) Jem (27)
The Lightwoods: Alec (28) Max (19) Maryse (49) Robert (52) Anna (6)
That means more presents.
Agatha called to ask where I was while I purchased a pair of Dior sunglasses.
In the end of the day I had spent $26,387 on 25 presents which made Agatha take 4 trips to and from the car.
Just in case you're interested here are the presents:
The Penhallows: Jia – Valentino pumps ($620), Patrick – Magnanni oxford shoes ($164), Aline – Burberry scarf ($335)
The Blackthorns: Julian – MacBook ($600), Drusilla – Mulberry leather tote ($1500), Helen –Estée Lauder powder compact ($250), Mark –Lamborghini experience ($200), Livia – double wrap skull bracelet ($200), Tiberius –45 minute flying lesson ($100), Octavian – Xbox One ($300) Andrew –Desktop bar ($1,000) Eleanor – a silver pendant in the shape of a wreath of thorns ($350)
The Carstairs: Emma – Diamond earring ($1,200), Jem – Vodka shot glass set ($400)
The Lightwoods: Alec – Gold cufflinks ($1850) Max – a black and a blue Ralph Lauren Polo custom fit ($104) Maryse –Burberry Trench coat ($1.195) Robert – cashmere scarf ($119) Anna – Burberry cashmere Teddy bear ($425)
Rest of the Herondales: Will – 2 tickets to Hawaii for a week ($600) Cecily –Jimmy Choo clutch ($995) Jace – coffee mug ($10)
Thomas, my driver who I had allowed to have a walk and do whatever until we had finished and called him, drove around and picked up, taking us home. I gave Agatha a check of $500 to thank her for help today. And Thomas $300 just because I was in a good mood.
-Page Break-
December 23rd
Today was the day I fly to New York from Los Angeles. I was at my office making last minute confirmations just to do with the company. The holiday spread was ready to print which would then be out tomorrow on Christmas Eve, everyone was excited since for the first time in 5 years I'm actually on it, which I know sounds self-centred but come on, it's not every holiday the editor in chief of a magazine is actually on it in an amazing spread. I already had my own copy of the article.
Sophie called. "Miss Morgenstern, your flight is ready."
"I'll be there in 20 minutes, is everything there?" I asked.
"Yes ma'am." I hung up.
You may think it's cruel that I'm getting her to work at Christmas but I'm not. This is her last day for the year and after she sees to it that I'm safe in the jet then she can do whatever she wishes.
I got Thomas to bring the car around. My suitcases and presents were already in the plane all that was left was me. And Agatha but she was probably already there.
Six hours later Agatha and I am in a car after the plane journey driven by my mother's driver Claude to my family manor which was on the island Alicante.
Once we arrived Claude opened the car door for me.
"Thank you Claude." I smiled then walked up the steps to the door using the brass door knocker.
An older man opened the door. When he saw who was at the other side of it his eyes widened. "Miss Clarissa!"
I recognised him from my childhood. "Thompson!" He was my butler.
"You're here! It's been a while Madam." He ushered me in. "Ms. Jocelyn, Master Valentine." Thompson called out.
My mother and father descended from the dramatic staircase.
"Clarissa." My mother said in her steel voice.
"Clary!" My father, who was more enthusiastic than my mother exclaimed rushing down the stairs.
He enveloped me in a hug. "Hi dad!"
"I haven't seen you in months." I felt him smile.
My mother reached the foyer and my dad let me go. I gave my mother a brief faire la bise as you can see I'm not too close with my mother.
I saw Jonathan rush down the stairs. "Clary!" And I was pulled into yet another hug. "How's my little sister?" He mumbled into my hair.
"Well, I'd be doing better if I wasn't being suffocated my by favourite brother."
He chuckled and released me. "I'm your only brother."
Thompson and Claude came in with my suitcases.
"Oh! Let me give you a hand." Jonathan said bringing the bags up to my old room, assuming.
Just for a second, I felt like I belonged and forgot why I had ever left this place. Then the moment was shattered when I heard his voice say my name.
"Clary." He breathed. I knew exactly who it was.
Jace Herondale.
Pretty much the very reason I left this forsaken island.
Feelings of heartbreak, grief, melancholy and regret flood my heart.
It was never gonna work.
I'm surprised they lasted so long.
They were high school sweethearts, what else did they expect?
They're perfect for each other. They just met at the wrong time.
Why did they break up? They were supposed to be able to take on anything…
There were many opinions on Clace, as the tabloids called us. But none of them mattered in the end. What was done was final. At least at the time.
"Mr. Herondale." I replied curtly. I turned to everyone else. My dad had a condoling expression and my mother's face showed sympathy. "I'll be in my room." I said walking up the dramatic staircase.
"Clary!" He called after me but I already banged my bedroom door shut.
I heard him pounding on the other side.
"Please Clary I wanna talk to you! I need to talk to you!"
"Go away Jason. I really don't care what you want." I yelled back. 8 minutes later I heard his footsteps retreat and I sighed.
I looked at the clock above my bed. It's 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I'm starving.
I opened up one of my suitcases and changed out of my skinny jeans and long sleeve top opting for cropped yoga pants and a cropped orange t-shirt, considering I'm not so tall it's not even that revealing.
I rummaged in one of my bags for my sketchbook and a few pencils.
Then I took a deep breath, really hoping I wouldn't bump into Jace and if I did that I wouldn't get all moody, as I opened the door.
"Miss Clarissa would you mind if I put the rest of you things into your room? I waited until you left to ask… didn't want to bother you ma'am."
"Oh not at all go on ahead, thank you Thompson." I walked down the dramatic stairs and saw Agatha mingling with you know who on the sofa in the foyer.
"Miss Clary." She greeted as she saw me at the foot of the stairs.
"Agatha make me a sandwich please."
She nodded mumbling "Right away madam."
I held my head up and attempted to walk past him. I say attempted because I never got anywhere since Jace grasped my arm.
"Are we really not going to talk?"
"Not until the ball which would only consist of 'Merry Christmas'." I walked out to the beautiful garden where I used to spend so much of my time with a dear friend. (Izzy)
I sat on the ground and rested my back on our favourite cherry blossom tree. Agatha handed me my ham and cheese sandwich and I began to sketch.
The sun began to set when I was called in for dinner. I picked up my empty plate and brought it inside, placing it into the sink then I walked into the dining room. All the places were set and one seat was left empty.
Of the fourteen seats, the only empty one had to be beside him.
Seriously?
I sat down.
My father was at the head of the table, Stephen Herondale was on his left, then it was Celine, my mother, Eleanor and Andrew Blackthorn then Julian. On my father's right it was Jon, Will, Jace, me, Jem, Cecily then Emma Carstairs.
"So, Clarissa how is the business going?" It was Céline.
I looked up from playing around with my empty wine glass and smiled at her. "Good thank you. I am actually featured in my holiday spread which will be coming out tomorrow."
"That's great Clary!" It was Cecily the cousin of Jace. She reminded me of Isabelle. A lot.
"Thanks Cecily."
"I'll totally keep that article." I heard Jace mutter as everyone smiled and complimented me.
I kicked his leg and he grunted. "Jesus…" Once he recovered he gave me attitude. "Why is it coming out tomorrow? Wouldn't everyone just be spending time with families and friends instead of buying or selling magazines?"
I rolled my eyes. "Street stalls are still open then you know? And those people are always scrambling to be able to sell Seraph magazine. How's your life Mr. Playboy CEO?" I snapped.
He smirked as if he anticipated that I would as just that.
"Amazing actually. I'm also known as a philanthropist now. Kinda adds to my charm." He winked.
I rolled my eyes and scoffed.
Then Jonathan cleared his throat. "Just gonna cut this tension… Anyone want desert?"
After dinner, the Blackthorns and Emma and Jem bid their goodbyes. I learned the Herondales were staying here while their home was being decorated and set up for the ball. I went back to my room.
After an hour or so of reading I heard a knock.
"Come in." I called.
"Clary…" It was the person who was not at all welcomed.
"What are you doing here, Jace? You are the last person I want in my room."
Despite my words he stayed in, closing the door behind him and sat on my bed.
I exhaled and counted to ten trying not to get irritated.
"Why can't you just understand that I don't want you here? Much less anywhere near me?"
"The fact you want me away from you so much makes it so blatantly obvious that you still love me."
I looked at him incredulously. "What? That's preposterous. Get out!" I pointed to the door.
"No." He said, not at all budging. "Not until you talk to me. Why. I just want to know why."
I stood up and started to pace. "Why what?" I asked helplessly. "I just want you to leave."
"Tell me why!"
"BECAUSE IT HURTS. IT HURTS ME TO SEE YOU. IT HURTS SO MUCH AND YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND." I yelled.
He looked… guilty. And like he didn't know what to say.
"Please just leave." I asked desperately.
He nodded silently.
I fell to my bed. Only then did I realise that I still had a few pictures from the past. I picked the pile up.
I looked through them. One had Isabelle and I smiling as we sat on the beach. One was a group picture, Simon, me, Izzy, Jon and Jace, there were others all of us smiling. Then the last one, at the very end, was of me and Jace, not smiling but looking at each other, arms wrapped around the other. In love. I couldn't bring myself to rip it up –it would mean that my feelings really had disappeared… but I'd be lying to myself. Because they hadn't. Not even after 6 years.
-Page Break-
December 24th
It was the night of the ball. Claude had taken all my presents to the Herondale manor so that everything was ready.
I changed into my dress and heels. My make-up consisted of shimmery gold on the lids, shimmery brown on the outer V and shimmery white on the inner corners and my brow bone to finish off the theatrical eye look I put on some eye liner and a few coats of mascara. My lips were a simple light pink.
"Clary! Come on everyone's waiting." My father called out.
I turned off the lights and I walked out the door; descending the dramatic stairs.
We all filed into out limo and Claude drove us to the Herondale's.
There was music, mingling and Merry Christmas greetings. Loads of all three. There was more than 28 people, those who are dates or are distant relatives also attended.
After I had circled round and chatted to people I picked up a flute of champagne from a waiter's tray and stood in a corner with Sebastian Verlac. I went to high school with him. My brother and he are pretty close.
"So, aren't you a big fan of parties?" He asked. "I haven't seen you in these events in years."
"Not a big fan anymore. My other half isn't here." I replied.
"You're married now?" He asked raising a brow.
"No silly. Isabelle. She's not here anymore. We used to go to these things together so neither would be alone."
He nodded in understanding. "Sorry for your loss, sweetheart."
I made eye contact with Jace and inhaled sharply.
"Both of them." Sebastian added.
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"You didn't just lose Isabelle 6 years ago. You lost Jace too, Clary. And you mourn them both." He put his arm around my waist and kissed the top of my head. I saw Jace clench his fists. "I'll see you later, Clary. I'm pretty hungry now." I smiled and said bye for now.
As he disappeared Jace walked towards me.
"Talking to Sebastian? Any good come out of that?"
"You know most ex-boyfriends would avoid having to talk to their former girlfriends. Why can't you be like that?" I asked him.
"Because I'm not like most boyfriends. "I am a billionaire at 27 years old. How many people do you know are like that?"
"Tony Stark probably." I responded then walking away placing my empty champagne flute on a tray.
Jace caught my waist and whispered to my ear, "I still love you." If I hadn't gotten rid of my glass I'd've dropped it after hearing that. I turned around and gave him a slap. The sound of the hand on cheek contact echoed out in the hall.
"Don't you dare say that." I hurried out of the hall and went up their eccentric staircase to the bathroom.
How could he say such a thing?
How could he stoop to low as to play that card?
Why would he play with me after all these years?
There was banging on the door and for a moment, it felt like it was Isabelle attempting to get to me. To comfort me. But then his voice brought me back to reality.
"Clary!" I head the door open since I forgot to lock it.
"Can you not? It's Christmas. You really wanna ruin that for me? Are you kidding, Jason Herondale? Do you have to be a jerk?" I pushed past him but he grabbed my arm and pulled my back and into his arms then enveloping me into a kiss. It contained all the guilt, heartbreak, anger, frustration and tension that had built up over the years.
"I'm not trying to ruin it for you. I'm trying to fix everything I did." He whispered.
I hope you liked it!
Let me know what you think, pleeeaassseee review
I'll update soon.
Love you all ~ Liz Ashley xxx