A/N: I'm not dead guys! I'm really sorry it took me a long time to update, and I hope the wait was worth it.

Disclaimer: I don't own TMI, Cassandra Clare does

Also there is another A/N at the bottom, so please read it.

Chapter 2

Clary Pov

Sebastian: I'm outside the apartment. The text read. I locked my phone and placed it into the duffel bag that I packed.

It's been half an hour since I called Sebastian asking if he could come and pick me up. I was reluctant about telling him why I wanted to be picked up, but he eventually coaxed it out of me. When I told him my mom and I had gotten into a fight, he immediately said he would be at the apartment in 20 minutes.

I peaked outside my bedroom door to make sure my mom wasn't in the living room anymore. I didn't hear or see anything in the living room, so I quickly made my way to the front door and slipped out of the apartment.

When I got outside, I noticed Seb's car parked across the street. I made my way over to his car and got inside. I heard a sharp intake of breath and one of Sebastian's hands were on my face. He turned my head slightly and he could now see the handprint my mom had left on my cheek.

"She hit you?" He asked in awe. I couldn't form any words, so I nodded in confirmation.

"You never told me things were this bad between the two of you." He said in a hushed tone.

"When we argue, things can get pretty heated, but she has never laid a hand on me. Tonight was the first time she ever hit me." I said quietly.

"Clary, you have to tell someone. You can't go back to her." He pleaded. I shook my head.

"I don't want to tell anyone. I'll just stay with you for awhile." I said trying to make a compromise. Seb looked at me wearily. Even though my mother is a monster, she is still the only family that I have. I can't be the reason why she goes to jail.

"Clare, are you sure?" He trailed off as he rubbed soft circles on the cheek that my mom didn't slap. I leaned up a bit and gave him a quick kiss on the lips to reassure him.

"Yes. Now can we go to your house?" Seb let out a sigh and nodded his head. He kissed me once more before we headed off towards his house.

~0~0~0~

The next morning, I tried my best to hide the handprint on my face. I couldn't go to school with the imprint visible, I would get asked too many questions.

At first, Seb tried to convince me to stay at his house for the day and not go to school. I had shut the idea down because if I didn't go to school, the office would call my mom, and that's not something I wanted.

The day continued on very slowly. It felt like the universe knew how much I wanted this day to be over, and wanted to torture me by slowing time down.

When the final bell rang, I sprang out of my seat and headed straight out the door. I kept my head down as I walked out of the building and to the parking lot. When I got there, Sebastian was already at his car waiting for me. He gave me a small smile.

"You ready to go?" He asked while climbing into the car. I followed him into the car and gave him a nod.

"Yeah, I just want this day to end already." I said throwing my head back against the headrest.

"How about we head over to Taki's? Maybe a huge stack of coconut pancakes will cheer you up?" He asked with hope. I shut my eyes and lifted the corner of my mouth into a smirk.

"Have I ever refused coconut pancakes?" I quipped playfully. Seb snorted. I felt his lips brush against my temple.

"Okay wise ass, Taki's it is." I let out a soft giggle and opened my eyes back up. Sebastian was grinning down at me. He brought his lips down to mine and kissed me gently. When he pulled away, he pressed his forehead against mine.

"Thank you." I whispered. He understood what I was thanking him for and placed a kiss on the tip of my nose. I sat back in the chair and I was gone as soon as my eyes closed.

~0~0~0~

"Are you still up to go to the concert tomorrow?" Seb asked. I placed my fork onto the now empty plate and looked up at him.

"Yes. I'm not going to let my mom ruin this. I've been dying to see them since we found out they were going to have a concert." I said in a confident tone. It's true. When Maia and I found out Millennium Lint was going to have a concert, we jumped at the chance and bought tickets.

"That's good to hear." Seb chirped. He then reached across the table and took my hand in his. I smiled at the gesture.

"So, how long can I stay at your house?" I asked. Seb shrugged his shoulders and rubbed his thumb against my hand.

"As long as you need to. My parents won't mind they adore you." He said honestly. Sebastian's parents are the best parents a teen could ask for. Although they are both out on business a lot, they make it up to him by spending time with him when they are both in town.

"I know, but won't they get suspicious when I won't go home?" Seb's parents are cool, but I'm sure they are going to ask questions.

"They know how tense things can get with your mom." He reassured. Sadly, this was true. When we first started dating, Seb's parents had invited both my mom and I over for dinner. Long story short, the meal was filled with lots of awkward conversations and a glaring battle that went down between my mom and I through out the entire dinner.

"Ugh, please don't remind me." I said with an eye roll. Seb chuckled and placed money on the table to cover to bill.

The two of us stood up and walked out of Taki's and to the parking lot towards Seb's car.

We were driving back to Sebastian's house, when my phone beeped. I pulled it out of my pocket and noticed it was a text from Maia.

Maia: You're never going to believe what Jordan just told me. Her text read. I furrowed my brows in confusion.

Clary: I hope you're going to tell me because I can't read your mind when we're this far apart. A few minutes after I sent the text, my phone rang and Maia's name flashed across the screen. I let out a quiet snort and answered.

"Your humor just kills me Fray." I could hear the sarcasm dripping from her voice. I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"Okay, will you just tell me whatever you have to tell me?" I asked not being able to handle the anticipation anymore.

"So, Jordan was at some record store in Manhattan. He was looking through some CD's when this guy approached him. You'll never guess who it was." She squealed. I had to pull the phone away from my ear because it was loud and high pitched.

"I don't know, but I'm going to assume you're going to tell me." I quipped. She just ignored my comment and started to talk again.

"It was the guitarist from Millennium Lint!" She exclaimed. My eyes widened in shock.

"What? Jordan was in the presence of one of them?" I shouted. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Seb look at me strangely.

"Yeah, apparently Jordan was singing while he was looking through the CD's and he overheard. They talked a little and then he told Jordan that their lead singer had left the band the other day." My eyes got even bigger when I realized what Maia was saying.

"Are you telling me that Jordan was asked to become the new lead singer?" I shrieked. Seb heard, and looked at me in confusion, but I just ignored his look.

"Yes! He was also given passes to go backstage!" I couldn't hold in my excitement anymore. I let out a loud squeal that caused Sebastian to swerve a bit. He shot a playful glare at me, but I didn't care. I just found out that one of my closest friends was asked to be in one of the best up incoming bands!

"Are you sure you can't come to the concert? I have for both you and Seb if you want to come." She said.

"Of course we're coming!" I exclaimed. "Not only is Millennium Lint one of my favorite bands, but one of best friends is singing." Maia giggled at my statement and agreed with me.

"Wait, I thought your mother said you couldn't go anymore?" Maia asked.

"Don't worry about it, Seb and I will be at the venue tomorrow." I said avoiding her question. Maia either didn't notice my aversion or she knew not to push me on the subject because she continued to gush about Jordan being ten times hotter now that he was in a semi-popular band.

The two of us talked until we reached Sebastian's house ten minutes later. We told each other our goodbyes and promised to meet up before the concert. When I hung up, I told Sebastian what my phone call with Maia was about. He knew that Jordan was asked to be apart of a band, but he didn't know what band. So when I had told him that Millennium Lint had asked him, Seb was completely shocked.

"That's amazing. I'm happy for Jordan." I nodded in agreement to his statement.

"I know! Maia said that Jordan was bouncing off the walls when he went over to tell her." Seb snickered at his best friends antics.

The two of us got out of his car and went into Sebastian's house. Sebastian was the only one out of our group to live in an actual house. Maia, Jordan and I lived in apartment buildings. I had to admit; his house was pretty big considering only three people live in it.

"Why don't you go pick out a movie, and I'll go get us some drinks?" Seb asked as we stepped into the foyer. I agreed and walked over to the shelf that had the movie collection. When I found a movie that I deemed that both of us would watch, I made my way down the hall and into the movie room. I got everything set up and plopped myself down onto the couch.

My phone then started to ring again. Assuming that it was Maia, I answered.

"Clarissa? Where the hell are you?" The voice on the other end slurred. Great, not only did my mother call, but she also called me while drunk. When I didn't answer her, she let out an annoyed huff.

"Clarissa, I swear if you don't get home right now I'll-."

"You'll what mom? Come and get me? You have no idea where I am right now!" I yelled. I could hear my mother scoff on her side.

"I know you're with that boyfriend of yours." I rolled my eyes at her proclamation.

"Good for you. You know your only daughter just enough to know that she's with one of the only few people that care about her." I snapped.

"Stop being so dramatic Clary. I care about you." I snorted at this. I'm pretty sure if she was given the option to give me up, she would.

"It's not being dramatic when it's true Magdelena." I said emphasizing her name.

"I am your mother Clarissa, and you will treat me with the disrespect I deserve." She shouted.

"Respect is a two way street mother. In order to get it, you need to give it." I hissed and then ended the call. I let out a frustrated groan and sunk back into the couch.

"You okay?" Seb asked from the doorway of the room. I met his gaze and shrugged my shoulders.

"I'm fine. My mother is still a bitch." I huffed. Sebastian then walked over to the couch and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't let her get to you." He said trying to comfort me. I let out a shaky sigh and I could feel the tears springing from my eyes.

"I know, it's just I wish I had a better relationship with her. I put so much effort into impressing her and showing her that I'm not worthless, but she cuts me down every time." I chocked out. Sebastian was then on the couch beside me and wrapped his arms around me.

"You're not worthless. You're smart, beautiful, kind and an astounding artist. If your mother can't see that then it's her lost." He said into my hair.

"I don't deserve you." I whispered into his shirt. It's true. Sebastian was such an amazing guy. He pulled back from our embrace and looked me in the eyes.

"Would you stop knocking yourself down? You're the only girl I want." I could tell he was telling the truth from his eyes. His eyes were clear and didn't show any signs that he was lying to me.

I connected our lips and kissed him passionately. Silently thanking him for his words. For helping me believe for just a moment that not everything in my life was a mess.

~0~0~0~

Jonathan Pov

I was sitting down in a booth at our usual Friday meet up waiting for my friends to arrive. I took a sip of my coffee and glanced at my phone.

Typical. Of course I would be the first one here and everyone else would come late.

I was brought out of my mental monologue when someone plopped down in the seat across from me. I didn't have to look up to realize that it was my best friend.

"You're late." I said without looking up from my phone.

"Sorry, I was a bit, busy." He said emphasizing his last word. I snorted at his innuendo.

"Hey, I was in the middle of something as well but I made it a point to be here on time." I said letting my green eyes meet gold ones. They were filled with mischief like they always were.

"Why am I always the one who gets hounded for coming late?" The boy across from me asked. I was about to answer, when a female voice answered for me.

"We're doing important stuff. You're just messing around with some girl Jace." Jace rolled his eyes and moved further into the booth for the raven-haired girl.

"Like your any different Isabelle. Before I left I could've sworn I saw your face locked with Rat boy's." Jace taunted. Isabelle let out a loud huff and tossed her hair over he shoulder.

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you this Jace, his name is Simon. Not Rat boy." She sneered.

"I just call them like I see them." Jace said honestly.

"Jace would you quit taunting Isabelle. I'm not going to save you when she claws your eyes out." I said trying to ease the tension between the two.

"I've always been the better fighter. I'm sure I can handle her." He said with a shrug. It looked like Isabelle was going to say something else, but her eyes lit up when she noticed someone behind me.

"Hey Si, how was band practice?" Isabelle asked her boyfriend who sat down next to her in the booth.

"It was alright. We're just fine tuning our set for the show tomorrow." Simon said as he sat down next to Isabelle.

"Did you guys find a new singer?" I asked. Simon smiled and pushed his glasses up his nose.

"I did actually and you'll never believe where." He said with excitement. "After school I walked over to the record shop. While I was looking, I heard this guy singing. He had this unique tone that would fit the band well. So I walked up to him and the two of us started talking. He's a pretty cool guy and I also asked if he wanted to join the band and he said yes." Isabelle congratulated her boyfriend and pecked him on the cheek.

"That's amazing Si. At least Eric won't sing and be given the chance to read his awful poetry." She shuttered in disgust. Jace and I both grunted in agreement. The dude killed at the drums, but could not write poetry to save his life.

"Iz, Where's Alec and Magnus?" I asked not seeing her brother or his flamboyant boyfriend.

"Alec texted me a few minutes before I arrived. He and Magnus are on their way. Magnus ran into a wardrobe malfunction." Izzy said with an eye roll.

"That's probably code for his clothes got all wrinkled from their make-out session and he couldn't get the creases out." Jace snorted. Isabelle elbowed him hard in the gut and glared at the blonde next to her.

"Would you leave them alone? I swear you're such a prick sometimes." Isabelle said with a sneer. Jace rolled his eyes in annoyance and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Lighten up Izzy. I was only joking."

Uh-oh, Izzy won't like that tone. I said to myself. On cue, a look of sheer rage washed over her face.

"You want me to 'lighten up'?" She said in a scary tone. "You don't tell a girl to 'lighten up' Jace! I swear it's as if you want me to punch you in the-."

"Okay!" I shouted trying to keep Isabelle from killing my best friend. "Iz, just ignore him." I said to the dark-haired girl across from me. Izzy huffed out in annoyance and flicked her hair over her shoulder.

"Your lucky Jon is here Jace, or you would've been dead already." Isabelle said with a glare.

"Golden boy, why don't you sit next to me? I like coming here and I don't want to be banned because of the two of you." I said directing my comment to both Isabelle and Jace. Jace grunted in agreement and slid underneath the booth onto my side.

The four of use continued to have a light conversation, when a glittery Magnus walked in with Alec in tow.

"Hello my wonderful friends. You can finally start this party now that my magnificent self is here." Magnus said as he plopped down next to Simon. Alec rolled his eyes at his boyfriend's behavior, and sat next to Jace and I.

"Magnus, did you want to come over tomorrow before the gig? We could get ready at my house?" Isabelle asked. Magnus clapped in agreement and the two of them chattered about clothes and accessories.

I decided to tune the two of them out, and focus my attention to Jace and Alec. Alec met my gaze and his eyes softened a bit.

"Hey man, how are you holding up today?" I shrugged my shoulders and sat back in the booth.

"I'm alright I guess. My parents are a mess though." I said honestly. Jace had given the both of us a confused look, but his face changed once he realized what we were talking about.

"Aww shit man, I totally forgot what yesterday was." He said with concern. I simply waved him off.

"It's cool Jace, it's just hard to see my parents like that." Jace knew that I was lying. The three of us remained in a peaceful silence for a couple of minutes, until Jace started to talk again.

"Do you ever wonder what she's like?" The question caught me off guard, and at first I didn't know who he was talking about. Then I realized he was talking about my sister.

"Every day man. I try to imagine what she'd be like and how she would act." I said with a soft chuckle.

"Wouldn't it be crazy if you met her before, but you just didn't know it?" Alec asked. I shook my head.

"It would." I said answering Alec's question. "Sometimes I wonder if random red-heads I see on the street are my sister." I said in in all seriousness. I'm not the only one in my family that does this. When my mom catches a glimpse of a teen with red hair, she gets this strange look in her eye.

I hope one day we will find Clarissa or she finds her way back to us. If she does, maybe my parents can finally have the perfect family they have always dreamt about.

A/N: Again I'm so sorry I'm taking such a long time to update both of my stories. I've just been really busy with school and extra curriculars that I couldn't write. I promise the next chapter for living a lie will be up this weekend as well. Also, I'm still looking for a beta for this story. If you're interested message me please.

Please leave a review, it will let me know if you guys like the story or not.