The vast expanse of cloudless, blue sky stretched over the Herondale manor. In the garden two sixteen-year old girls sat talking and laughing, giggling about either Adriana Whitelaw's latest ridiculous fashion choice or Jacob Morgenstern's recent attempt to win the heart of Johanna Ravenkey.

Just as Lucie, the younger of the two girls, began to recount a story she had read, her brother James walked out. He settled down by the shade of the big maple tree, his Latin book in hand and in no time was absorbed in the book.

Now James was no troll. The sunlight, which filtered through the leaves of the tree, shone on his handsome face. It made his gold eyes shine like the little twinkling lights in the town square. It highlighted his jet-black hair. The spotlight, though, was on his flawless features, his impeccably straight nose, high cheekbones and full lips. People often looked at him just for that simple pleasure of having something beautiful to behold.

They looked at Lucie too. She possessed the same exquisite features as her brother, save for the hair and the eyes. The eyes were their father's, a deep violet-blue that rivaled the loveliness of the sunset. She had her mother's chocolate-colored curls that framed her face perfectly.

Her parabatai, Cordelia, who was sitting beside her, had a contrasting visage. Her hair was a flaming red and her eyes, a rare black. Freckles outlined her cheekbones, giving her an innocent air. Though they did nothing to interfere with her beauty. Her mouth often curved into a mischievous smile, making people either wary of her or instantly warm up to her.

"So, have you heard about the party. . .? Are you listening Cordy?", Lucie raised her eyebrows at Cordelia.

Cordelia tore her gaze from James. A bit of his raven his had fallen over his forehead but he was so engrossed in his book he didn't seem to notice or care.

"Hmm. . .? What were you saying?', Cordelia forced herself to tear away her gaze from James and focus on her parabatai.

Lucie only gave her a sly smile. "Oh, I see.", she said. Cordelia only blushed.

"I don't see why you can't talk to him Cordy. Just tell of you feelings."

Cordelia sighed. "It's not that easy Lucie. Besides, do you see the way he looks at Grace Blackthorn? How can I compete with someone like her? She's gorgeous. He doesn't fancy me at all. I'm just his little sister's best friend or parabatai if you will."

Lucie opened her mouth to argue but mother's voice interrupted her,"Lucie! Did you put out the laundry?"

"By the Angel!", Lucie exclaimed and quickly hurried inside.

Cordelia shook her head at her parabatai's forgetfulness, before turning her attention back to James. She had been in love with him since she was ten. Six years, six years of trying to win his attentions and failing. She could remember the day she had fallen for him so clearly.

"Come on Cordelia. You can make some friends.", her mother, Colette, encouraged her.

Cordelia scowled. She didn't want to make new friends. She didn't even want to meet the Herondales. Who cared about them anyway? Why couldn't she go back to Idris? She had plenty of friends there.

She crossed her arms and stormed over to a chair and sat down. She waited impatiently for the Herondales to com back to the Institute from their trip. Bridget, the cook, had informed them that the Herondales had gone to Wales and would be back soon. She tapped her foot restlessly against the floor, taking deep breaths in an effort to keep her calm.

A few minutes later voices could be heard at the entrance of the Institute. They must have arrived. Good, the sooner they were here the sooner this could get over.

Four people came into the room with her parents. Her brother, Alistair, was chatting animatedly with on of the, a young boy about a year older than her. He was beautiful. There was no other way to describe it. His clear amber eyes were the best thing Cordelia had ever seen. Amber was her new favorite color. He was certainly too good-looking to be talking to her brother. She immediately admonished herself for that thought. Alistair, too, was handsome. And this was not the time to be picking on her brother, not when she was trying very hard to get along with him.

"This is our daughter Cordelia. Cordelia this is Will and Tessa Herondale and their children, James and Lucie."

Cordelia forced a smile and couldn't help but glance at the beautiful, who she knew now was James. James, Cordelia had always loved that name. She gave him a big grin and was pleased to receive on back. Their parents left them alone.

James smiled kindly at her. "Will you take care of my sister?", he asked looking into her eyes. Cordelia could feel herself turning into a little puddle on the floor.

"Of course.", she breathed. Get a grip Cordelia she scolded herself. You do not get like this over a boy.

"Shove off Jamie. I can take care of myself.", said a girl about Cordelia's age. She was every bit as attractive as James.

James only rolled his eyes and went off with Alistair. Cordelia looked after him for a moment then turned to Lucie.

"Call me Cordy.", she told her.

That was the start of a wonderful friendship. Cordelia smiled and looked over at James. It was also the start of her huge crush on James Herondale.

She remembered Lucie's advice. Talk to him.She glanced at James. He was gazing dreamily off into the distance, no doubt thinking about Grace Blackthorn. Anger and determination welled up inside her. She wouldn't let James belong to Grace's. She would win his love if it was the last thing she did. She would make him notice her as more than his sister's parabatai. She would win. She stood up and walked back into the house with her head held high, leaving James to his thoughts.

Review and tell me if I should write more or leave this as a one-shot.