Chapter One

I never thought a day would come where I would be writing and publishing a story on this website, I have been here for a hot second as a reader for many years now, wow I'm getting old fast. For some strange reason, this story idea popped into my head at 3am last night and the characters would not shut up, so here I am with the first chapter.

This trope has been done before I think, but this is my own unique twist to things, I have big ideas for it too, so let me know if you like it, I'll be replying to all comments, so drop one below I would love to know what you think and even offer a small spoiler to some! Sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes, its 1am where I'm from and I still have hw to do for my two classes tomorrow but I was to excited to get this up to re-read it more than three times to make sure all mistakes where gone. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All Mortal Instrument characters are owned by Casandra Clare, I just own the plot.

The music was blaring through the speakers in her studio, or as much as a art studio she could afford. Clary sat in front of her canvas contemplating if she should scrap what she was working on or try to pick up where she last left off. As she took a deep breath in, the music on the radio changed, she could feel the atmosphere around her shift. Bringing her into that good grove of creativity that she carved most days. Her hand ross and swirls of art flowed onto the canvas as time slipped away, she wished moments like these occurred more often, it made her feel free, young again to a time that was lighter, not so much stress and not so… stuck.

As the clocked ticked away, she was lost in her movements as much as she was lost in the moment, she didn't sense the presence of another person entering the room and lowering the volume on the stereo.

"Beautiful as always." Clary jump at the recognition of the voice. Raising her hand to her chest, transferring some of the paint residue left, onto her shirt unknowingly.

"God Magnus, you scared me!" She breathed out. Looking around the room for any other intruders. She set her brushes and utensils down on the nearby side table to go scramble for her bag, hastily looking for her phone to check for any missed messages.

"Oh, I thought I would just swing by, to check on my little money maker. See how our new prize was coming along." Magnus was dresses as usual in an impeccable designer suit, tailored to his body perfectly. She always found it odd to see him in the studio, looking all put together surrounded by her array of mess and colors.

She was still digging around her bag looking for her phone with a slight blush tinting her cheeks at the reference of her previous work. "It's coming along… I think? I still need time to put the finishing touches on the last piece, but all the others are ready for the show next week." She finally found her phone at the bottom of her bag, camouflaged by old receipts and rappers. When she looked at the time her heart dropped to her stomach, to missed calls from her mom and a message from an unknown number. "Shit, shit, I'm running late again!" She quickly grabbed her things and started to clean up, she wondered how she could get so caught up in the moment sometimes that caused her to lose track of time so fast. "Sorry Magnus, but I got to lock up, but I'm going to try to finish the last piece tomorrow and drop it off at the shop if that's okay?" She asked at she rinsed off the last of her brushes in the sink.

Magnus just stood by the door laughing in his head as the redhead dashed through the little studio, leaving a trail of fire as her hair sprang behind her. "That's fine biscuit, I should be there late tomorrow supervising the setup and everything," he waved his hand in the air as a gesture to the mess he would soon be directing into an art show, he was already starting to get a headache thinking about it. "I had to fire the last group of people I hired because of that mess with Sandy, ahg I can't believe her! I always thought she was such a dear until she basically sabotaged me last month, why is it so hard to keep good help?" He asked in a huff. "Oh, you can bring the mini me's by too, I found theses adorable outfits that just screamed rascals!" he clapped his hands together. Clary laughed as she finally had everything she deemed important put away and her key to the door in her hand.

"Well thank you, and I have told you multiple times to stop buying them outfits, you know they hate them. Especially JJ, speaking of, I'm late to pick them up from preschool, so if you would please." She motioned to the door. Magnus just nodded his head and stepped past her through the threshold as she shut the door and put the lock in place.

"Okay, tomorrow, don't forget, I'm counting on you munchkin!" Magnus shouted out behind her as she jogged down the street to the subway station hoping she would make to next train in time.

She just lifted her arm up in the air and waved as a response, knowing he would see she acknowledge him. She was down the stairs and through the counting rails in record time, just to look at the screen to confirm the next train was just a minute out. She breathed a sigh of relief. She looked back at her phone to check the time again. She already knew why her mother had called her to confirm dinner-out tonight with the twins, she sent a quick text to let her know she was on her way to pick up the kids and then swing by the book shop to meet her and Luke.

The announcement of the trains arrival was broadcasted through the speakers and she was through the sliding doors the second the exiting passengers were out of the way. She took an available seat by the window looking out at the passing crowd of people. As the train jerked into motion declaring its departure, she looked down at her phone. Opening her messages to see the unknown text she received earlier. She wondered who it could be, a new buyer possibly? She knew her work wasn't that popular and she was lucky enough to have Magnus put her pieces up for viewing at his shows. One of her works last month actually sold for a good chunk of money by an anonymous buyer. She was beyond shocked when she received Magnus's call of congratulations that day. She wondered if it was the mysterious buyer somehow contacting her. But she doubted that, Magnus would have mentioned giving out her number to a stranger, let alone a potential buyer. He mostly handled all the sales and transactions that went on. Disbanding all thoughts, she just opened the message to get the anticipation out of the way.

Hey Clary, long time no see! Its Simon, you know your old geeky friend from school. Umh its been awhile since we last talked and I'm sorry about that, you know college can get away with you. But anyways I am sorry we never kept in touch, after everything. I'm coming back to the city soon and was wondering if we could possibly catch up? There is a lot to tell you about the last four or so years. I tried calling your old number and it didn't go through, same for your house number. I had to resort to being a creep and looking up Luke's book store to see if him or your mom where still around. Anyways they're still kicking it and they gave me your cell, and said you still lived in the city. I hope this is you. If not sorry who ever this is! Please ignore. Or block me.

But if this is Clary Fray, please call me when you get a chance, I miss my best friend.

The air in Clary's lunges vanished and she was left gasping, the people around her probably thought she was a freak but she didn't care. Simon? Simon of all people… she couldn't hide the smile that spread on her face along with the horror it brought her. Her old best friend, she thought she would never reconnect her past, she rarely though about it nowadays, it always brought her pain and resentment.

The train announced once again its arrival to her destination, she shoved all thoughts of her old life into the back of her head for the moment. She was once again placed back into reality, as she followed the crowed out the doors and up the old cement steps to the busy streets of New York. She made her way down the same routine path to the preschool/ daycare she had dropped off her babies that morning. The sky was cloudy but the sun was peeking through and the air had a little bite of cold to it announcing Fall's return. It reminded her that she needed to count her saving again and see if she could gather enough money to get the twins some new jackets. She hoped that the next art show would at least give her enough to buy them nice new clean coats this year instead of the cheap scratchy coats that she had to settle for last year, and maybe a nice birthday present for them. She knew her mom and Luke would give her the money if she asked or they would just buy it themselves, but she hated the feeling she'd get of not being able to provide for her own children. It was enough that they let her stay with them and helped as much as they could, she didn't want to over step.

As she rounded the last corner to the pre-school she saw the same old man who owned the pawn shop next door. He would stand not even a couple of steps away from the preschools door smoking a cigarette, intoxicating the air that the kids from inside would have to breath as soon as they walked through the threshold. She stepped up to the man and picked the cigarette out of his hands, dropped it on the ground and stomped on in. She then looked up at the sour man's face giving him the dirtiest scowl she could form to advise him of her disgust.

"That's number 82," he coughed, "you owe me now." He replied with a huff.

"Over my dead body, have some respect for kids!" She shoved her way past him and marched through the doors of the preschool as the bell rang over her head declaring her presence. "I am so sorry again, I'll pay whatever late fee I owe, I just lost track of time and I-".

"Miss Fray you need to stop making this a habit, you know the rule, three strikes a month and we have to let you go." The receptionist cut Clary off, she hated that the lady at the desk, Debbie, always talked to Clary like she was just a child herself. Three strikes rule my ass! She thought, she had gotten into it with this woman before about a year ago when they created the so called new Rule. It wasn't like Clary to be late to pick up her kids, if not just a once in awhile occurrence anyways.

Clary also frequently complained about there lack of care for the smoker at the door and she knew more than one parent has complained along with her but there never seemed to be a made-up Rule for that. Clary just knew this woman had it out for her ever since JJ accidently spilled his apple sauce on her shoe two years back. She was certain this girl didn't even like kids and didn't understand why she would choose a profession that would result in her dealing with them all day. "As I remind you again, there are plenty of other parents willing to take the place of you and your children at our facility, and we would hate to see you go." The last part Clary could see the sarcasm dripping from her mouth as she plastered that fake smile on her face. Clary just stared back at her with contempt.

"Can I just go get my kids." Clary snapped back, and nodded her head in the direction of the classroom she knew they were in. The receptionist just nodded her head yes and Clary briskly walked in the direction of the room. As she passed through the door, she could see both little heads siting in the middle of the class room with their coats and backpacks on, listening to their teacher read them a book to pass the time. "I'm sorry I'm late." She grimaced as she made eye contact with their teacher Elijah, while he smiled back in return.

"Mommy you just ruined the best part." Sophia declared in a pout while JJ, that looked like he was about to fall asleep, jumped up and ran to her at the new knowledge of her presence. Clary bent down and scooped him up in her arms as he nuzzled his head into her neck. Sophia just rolled her eyes at her brothers actions and hiked her backpack higher on her shoulders and walked to grab her mother's hand.

"It's quite alright Miss Fray." Elijah smiled at her. Clary always thought he was cute, in a young teen crush, forbidden types of way.

"Please, call me Clary." She blushed, smiling back as Sophia yanked at her hand.

"Mommy lets go, I'm hungry." Sophia whined looking up at her mother with her mixed hazel eyes.

Clary just smiled at her daughter and said, "Alright let's get going, we have to meet grandma and grandpa Luke at the store and then I think they have a special treat for you two."

JJ just squeeze her neck in response while Sophia basically began dragging her out the classroom door. "Bye Mr. M." she waved to her teacher while JJ gave a small wave in response to his sister declaration.

"See you on Monday." Elijah responded. Clary nodded to the teacher and mouthed a 'thank you' for staying behind longer then he intended for the sake of her tardiness, he just gave a charming smile and a wink her way in return, making Clary blush once again. They continued their way to the exit of the building passing the receptionist desk once again, Clary could feel Debbie's eye on the back of her head as she walked out the front doors. She held tight onto her daughter's hand and lifted JJ higher on her hips as they weaved their way through the streets in the direction of Luke's old bookstore. As they came to a stop at a cross walk, she lifted JJ's hood to cover his face as he continued his nap in her shoulder. She then looked down at her daughter once again, "Is your jacket sipped up all the way?".

She asked her daughter, getting a sassy, "Yes mom" in return. It never ceased to amaze her how much her little girl reminded her of the resemblance to her father. Something that Clary tried to hide at all cost. The little girl yanked her hand once everyone started to cross the street to gather her mothers attention, and they continued along the familiar path down the steps into the subway station.

When they finally took their seats on the train that would put them a few blocks away from the store, she finally released a breath of air out of her lungs. She looked to her left where her daughter sat talking on endlessly about the kids in her class, while JJ still slept soundlessly in her arms. She always wondered how different the two were, she admired each one of them in their own way. She glanced around the subway car to detect any threats to her family, she was once again thankful that there wasn't any present at the time, but that didn't make her stop worrying for the two little ones next to her. She would drop anything for the sake of their safety first in any given moment.

"So then Amanda started talking about how her dad is guuna buy her that bigggg Barbie dream house mom," Sophia extended her hands out to emphasize how big the item she was depicting was in comparison to her small frame. "She knows that's what I wanted for my birthday! She only asked for that one because she wanted to make me mad! She is such a meenie mommy! And then, and then…," she stuttered "she started to say that her daddy was the best one in the world, so I told her that's not true." She looked at her daughters' face and recognized the pout that sat on her lips, it was the same way that their fathers' lips would curve when he did something he knew she wouldn't like. She had years of experience of that familiar pout, Clary braced herself for what her daughter was about to tell her. "I, I said that my daddy was better than hers because he was gunna get me the New Barbie Dream house and the matching Barbie Jeep for me and JJ would get-"

Clary gasped at her daughters' remark, "Sophia Céline Fray!" The little girl next to her cringed at her mother's tone, "What did I say about lying! That is the biggest rule!" she exclaimed.

"But momm-" Sophia countered, but her mother was fast to cut her off.

"No I don't want to hear it, you do not lie to others! No, you don't lie at all!"

"But mom you should've seen JJ's face-",

"Do not bring you brother into this Sophi, this is your own mess. You can count on not getting TV time all weekend before bed! And you will have to apologize to Amanda next week, if I find out that you don't then it will be all week do you understand me?" Clary felt that ping in her heart once again at the remarks her daughter made. It wasn't her fault that she didn't have a father that she could ask for the present she dreamed, it was Clary's. Clary knew it was in child nature to make comments like that, and she knew it was especially hard for Sophi and JJ to deal with.

She looked back at her daughter and saw the tears that where forming in her eyes. It made Clary feel even worse for what she had taken away from them and what she knew they were missing out on. She let out a breath of air, "But…", her daughters eyes shot up to her own with hope in her gaze that her mother would take away her pain. "you know mommy is having another show next week, right?" Her daughter nodded her head enthusiastically, hanging onto every word that left Clary's mouth. "If, and I mean If it goes well…ill see what I can do about the dream house for your Birthday, okay?" She saw the light in her daughters eyes shine so bright, it reminded her of all the things she wished she could give the two best elements in her life, and what she would do to make their eyes light up like that all the time. "It's not a promise, okay, let's just see what happens." Her daughter nodded her head in understanding, but the smile that was on her little face almost made it worth the resentment Clary was sure to have later for saying such a thing to her child.

Their birthday was coming around faster than Clary whished, the marking of the five years they would be on this planet and five years Clay has spent trying to raise the two in hiding with the help of her own mother and step-father. About a month and a couple weeks would mark the day she brought these two into this world alone, something she always seconded gest herself about. She promised herself that she would stop hiding, and maybe even tell their father about their existence, but as the days grew closer, the further she withdrew.

JJ squeezed her shoulders unknowingly and she squeezed back, holding her quit sleeping little boy. Soon they were back at the top of the street and walking into the old tinny book store where her mother and step-father waited.

"How are my little babies!" Jocelyn exclaimed opening her arms wide for the kids to run in and give her a welcoming hug. Clary set JJ down on the ground as he stumbles to fully wakeup.

"Hey grandma!" they both said in unison, Jocelyn leaned down to receive a kiss from the two children on her cheeks. She began to discuss their day at school while Luke pulled Clary off to the side.

"Simon called today," The look on Luke's face was a mixed between wonder and worry for her. She could read what he was saying between the lines.

"I know, he actually texted me earlier." She looked down at her hands in shame almost.

"You can't hide forever, you know that kid." Luke said with sympathy in his voice. She looked up into his eyes, looking for some type of comfort she could always fine in his blue swirls. Whatever she was looking for she found. For almost five years she had no contact to the former people she used to call her family, five years she was able to stay hidden within the city with her secret along with her mother and Luke.

Jocelyn looked up from the spot that she was playing at with the twins, in the back corner. She caught Clary's eyes, reading what only a mother could within one glance that could relate a whole conversation. She gave a node in understanding to her young daughter.

"I'm going to stay, if that's what you meant Luke." She turned her head to look at the older man once again. "I'm done running and hiding, especially with what Sophia said earlier." Luke gave her a look of confusion. But she ignored it, she was done running from her past, her children deserved better then what she could giving them.

Reconnecting with Simon didn't entitle her talking or even ever interacting with Him. She knew how close Simon was with Isabelle and judging by the recent news in the media, just how close they were now. Isabelle was like a sister to her at one point, but she also was the sister to Him, regardless of any separation of time. That was the underlining reason why she tried to cut ties with all of them, to avoid this exact predicament. She took a deep breath in and exhaled through her nose, she was done fighting the inevitable, whatever happen, happened at this point on. She was done trying to hide anything from him and his family, she just hoped that whatever road she was about to turn onto would not cause any harm to her beloved children, all she ever tried to do was shield them from the harm the outside world could possibly bring them. She regretted a lot of things, but when it came to her babies, they were not, and never would be, one of them. She was done feeling stuck.

So… how do you like it so far? Let me know and you could get a little spoiler if you would like! But for real let me know if I should continue this story, I probably will though, more of the main plot and character information will we revealed next chapter.

I have no idea what the updating schedule will be for this story, but I am going to shoot for 1-2 chapters a week. Story length will probably be 80-120k. We will see how it goes.

With love,

BabyBritt

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