Clary and Jocelyn finally got an opportunity to have a girl's night out. It was the first they had in a long time since Clary moved into the insitute,

about sixteen months ago. They went to the Museum of Modern Art, the place where they shared their love and passion for art. After that they went for

a little make over. Jocelyn was all for it. She received the facial, pedicure, and manicure while Clary found herself just with the pedicure. She

didn't feel the need for all the excess especially with the life of a shadowhunter, where goo and filth greeted her in every battle. Clary had

never learned Isabelle's secret when it came to not getting dirty. Maybe it was her gracefulness or the fact that her whip kept all demons yards away

from her when she would strike them. At any result, Clary would have to master her grace even with the rune of steadiness and surefootedness, the

two runes she never left home without.

They were walking up the familiar canal street in Manhattan, the street lights lighting their path. Jocelyn was living with Luke now while Clary

was glad to get away from the institute for the weekend. It was nothing but training, training and more training. But she did in fact miss Jace like

crazy and would soon see him in a day. Right now she was glad to spend her time with her mom.

"Its amazing isn't it," her mom asked breaking the silence.

"What is," Clary said looking around then at her mother, whose red hair was burning in the darkness.

"How so much has changed and how you have grown in such a short time, Makes me wonder if I did the right thing by you. I always wondered if I had

trained you myself, you would be way better than me, or even Jace."

Clary smiled, "I think I'm there."

"Cocky and confident," Jocelyn said, "good qualities for a shadowhunter."

"Neither mom," Clary said her hands in her pocket looking at the ground, "I don't think there's anything I haven't learned. Jace made sure of that.

He's been pushing me beyond the limit."

"I think he's making sure he covers all the bases with you for your safety in battle."

"I don't know what else I have to do to prove to him that I can handle demons now. I've killed greater demons and demons than I could count."

Jocelyn giggled.

"What?" Clary asked wondering what was so funny.

"You sound like a shadowhunter. I gotta get use to that and these talks that we have now, no longer about school or boys but demons and darkness.

But I can understand where he's coming from. You were deprived of your gift and the tough training you're receiving is just to catch you up with the

rest of them."

Shadowhunters start their training at very young ages. But Clary started at sixteen, the age where shadowhunters were no longer novice but elite. She

was not elite yet because of her late start.

For this fact she was placed under vigorous training, day in and day out. That was her life now. But this weekend was anything but shadowhunting.

"I'm just glad for the break."

They were now in front of the brownstone house. Jocelyn rustled with the keys and entered just as Luke came down the stairs to greet them. He looked

younger even though there were more grays peaking through his beard and hair. He greeted Jocelyn with a kiss and gently ruffled the top of Clary's

head.

"I knew I heard something. You girls had a good night out."

"Yes we did. We even had time to stop at the video store to rent a couple of movies."

"Well I'm sorry I won't be joining you tonight. I will be in Alicante."

"Another meeting," Clary asked.

"Another meeting," he repeated. Luke looked like he was hiding something else. Clary knew him well, better than her mom. But she didn't want to ask

or pry about the issue.

"Well ok, I'll miss you," Jocelyn said with a pouted lip.

Luke giggled "you'll be in good company, and she is the best at what she does. I have heard."

Clary rolled her eyes knowing who he was talking about and went up the winding stairs to the apartment to leave the couple alone to say their

mushy farewells.

She opened the door of the apartment and walked to the evergreen and white tiled kitchen to retrieve a snack from the fridge. There were some sodas

and a box of pizza that caught her eye. Finally, grease. She thought. It was the kind of food she had to stay away from for her training but ignored this rule and every other one this weekend. She grabbed a slice of veggie pizza along with a bottle of grape soda and headed to the living room where the TV was on Luke's favorite build it yourself network.

He had become handy around the house more than ever now and learned some new ways to fix up his bookstore.

Clary finished her pizza and half of the soda. She placed her messenger bag on the couch and took her shoes off to enjoy some relaxation time when her

phone began to vibrate. This little announcement brought her back to the real world. Clary knew it was the institute but wondered what it could be.

She searched restlessly in her bag where the phone was resting at the bottom. There was a message left from Izzy stating:

Forgive me Clary, but it looks like you will be needed this weekend after all. Jace and the others had to return to Alicante so its just you and me. Sorry :(

Clary rested her head on the couch and sighed. She knew this break was to good to be true.

"Okay," Jocelyn said entering the apartment, "let's get started. You pick a movie. I'll get the popcorn."

Clary had to break the news to her mom somehow.

"What would you like to see?" She said fiddling through the movies in her hand, "a horror, sci-fi, or romantic thriller."

"Mom," Clary said getting to her feet, and placing the bag over her shoulder, "I have to go."

Jocelyn dropped her arms and sighed. "Izzy is on watch tonight everyone else has returned to Alicante."

"I understand. How I wished it came later but I had a feeling."

Clary lunged to hug her immediately, "maybe another weekend."

Jocelyn hugged her back rubbing her head. "Maybe."

"Hey," she said looking at her, "why don't you come with me. It'll just be the girls and we can still do something together even if it is fighting

demons."

"I don't know."

"I kinda promised Luke to look after you, so I can't take no for an answer."

"Listen to you taking care of me for once. My, have the tables turned."

"I'll be downstairs," Clary said heading to the door. "Oh and mom," she turned to look at her "pack heavy," and left without another word.

Jocelyn smiled. She knew that meant any weapon she could find from Luke's weapon closet.

***To be continued***