I own nothing but the plot and some of the smaller characters; all characters belong to Cassandra Clare!

Chapter One:

Clary POV:

There was nothing anyone could do for me. I couldn't tell anyone what was going on at home, but I also couldn't bare it anymore. Any sign of happiness was just completely lost, and it was getting harder and harder to get out of bed every morning.

Summer was almost over, and it had been the worst summer of my life. It was filled with a bunch of beating, and constant insults being yelled at me every chance my father could get.

My mother left about 6 years ago. She promised to come back for me, but after the first few years, I decided that it was pointless to get my hopes up any longer. She was long gone by now, and I was stuck with him. For the next two years I would have to endure this torture. My eighteenth birthday couldn't come fast enough, but I was sure as hell counting down those days.

First Day of Senior Year:

School wasn't the greatest place in the world, but it was definitely better than home, and more often than not it was my sanctuary. Nobody at school knew of my home life, and I wanted to keep it that way until the day that I graduated. Hopefully I could keep it quiet until then.

I often felt uncomfortable at school because every guy in that school was trying to get with me. I wasn't really interested in anybody in the school, which made it all the more challenging for the boys, and it's why they haven't stopped trying yet.

"Hey Clary!" Someone called down the hallway. I wouldn't consider myself popular, but everyone seemed to know who I was. I didn't mind, because it made things easier. I love helping people, which is probably why so many of them know me. I tutor a lot of the athletes in the school, I help a majority of the teachers when they need it, and I spend a lot of time helping out with the special needs kids after school. They truly are the most wonderful people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Everything seemed to be going just fine, and than that dreaded final bell rang, and it was back to the hellhole that was my home. As I got home, I could already tell it was going to be one hell of a night.

"Where have you been Clarissa?" My father's breath reeked of alcohol; it was only 3:00 in the afternoon.

"I was at school father. I told you I would be home between 3:00 and 4:00." I really hope he just walks away so I can get to my room without injury. Unfortunately that day wouldn't be today. He stormed toward me, and I stood there like a man and took whatever he decided to do.

Next Day:

The next day at school I decided to wear yoga pants, and a sweatshirt. If anyone bothered to actually pay attention to me, they would notice that on days after I've been severely beaten, I always wear yoga's and sweatshirts. They don't hurt if they cling to my skin and they are the easiest to move around it, especially if I'm sore. The one thing my father made sure I had was an extensive wardrobe and a fancy car. It made it look like he cared, and I got a lot of praise about the artificial things in my life, but to me that didn't matter. Nobody knew me well enough to as about my life, and I planned on keeping that way.

By the time Friday rolled around, I was dreading the day to be over. Weekends tended to be the worst, and it was September 16th, the day my mom left. Tonight would be the worst that has yet to come, and I was not prepared for it. I walked into the office and greeted Pamela, the school secretary.

"Hey Pam! How are you on this fine Friday morning?" I asked as I walked into the office.

"I'm great Clary! How are you?"

"I'm okay. Is Principal Ridge in his office? I was told to come down here to give some new students a tour."

"Oh yes dear, he is right in his office." She pointed to a door around the corner.

"Thank you! Oh, and I love the hair cut, and color! Really makes you eyes pop!" I said while walking away! I saw Pam blush. She was a sweet woman but I knew she didn't have much self confidence, so I make sure she gets one every Friday!

As I knock on the door, Principal Ridge tells me to enter, and when I do I make eye contact with the most attractive boy I've ever seen. His blonde hair and golden eyes stopped me dead in my tracks. This was going to be a long day.