CLARY'S POV:

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, I groggily moved my hand around in search of the snooze button, once I found it I instantly went back to sleep. Shit. As soon as I realized what a huge mistake I just made, it was already too late, I had less than 3 minutes to pull my shit together. Okay, you can do this. You can do this. You can do this. I kept relaying those words in my mind as I slowly weaved my hair into a plump braid. I glanced at my reflection real quick and stared back at the clock. 8:24. I pulled on my tight, black flannel trying my best to cover the scars on my wrists. I zoomed out of my mom's flat and onto the sidewalk where I bumped into Izzy. Izzy, SHIT! My eyes widened at the sight.
"Missed me?" Isabelle smiled her perfect full smile.
"Izzy! When did you come back?" I smiled tears building up.
"Just got back yesterday, and must I say French men are smoking!" Isabelle laughed and then stared at my outfit and her jaw dropped.
"Izzy. I can exp-"She cut me off "WHAT IS THIS!" She yelled.
"Izzy please-" She slapped me and stormed off.

At this point I just gave up and walked straight to Alec's house knowing that he'd be home on the first day of school, ever since the whole "come-out-of-the-closet" thing no one has really treated him like a human. I banged on the back door and there stood Alec. I immediately broke down and crumpled on the floor.
"Clare, it's alright, sh." Alec softly whispered these reassuring words but it didn't affect me, I couldn't hold It in, I just kept bawling.
"Let's get inside Clare, How about "The Notebook?" He smiled and patted my back.
"I could definitely use some cheesy romances." I subtly laughed, for the short amount of time I was with Alec I almost forgot about Izzy, but of course it just snuck back into my mind. I had an urge to cry, but I tried to keep it in while in public. I blinked away the tears and excused myself into the bathroom. I was at the foot of the door when I heard moaning from the room beside it, I groaned disgusted. I slammed the door and banged on the wall a few times until the noises stopped. I stared at my reflection for who knows how long. Pale skin, splash of freckles, dull green eyes, bright, fiery-red hair. I laughed internally, who would've thought such a vibrant looking girl could be so, plain. I spotted red marks on my flannel. Must've scratched them on accident, I thought to myself. I shook it off and submerged my arms into a basin of cold water as I drowned in deep thought. I snapped out of it as I realized someone was standing at the doorway. I tensed and quickly thought of an excuse. Wait, who is standing at the doorway?
"Excuse me? Do I know you?" I tremulously asked.
"W-what?" He asked still examining my arms.
"Never mind." I stated strongly praying that he left me alone.
I pulled my flannel back on and walked back to the lounge room with Alec. Alec glanced up and patted the couch space beside him implying that I should sit next to him, which I did.
"What took you so long?" He asked confused.
"I had to take a massive shit, sorry if it reeks in there." I smirked and got cozy. Looking up at his expression he was shocked, amused, and disgusted. I burst out laughing. His gaze traveled beside me, and I followed it.
"Hey Jace, I see you've met Clary here." Alec's face brightened.