A/N: I hope you guys are enjoying this story because I know I am!
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it's all Cassie's!
JPOV
I had walked into the midst of a brewing shit-storm. Fray was there in her tight jeans and flannel shirt, staring her boyfriend down while the parents and Lewis' geeky buddies watched the exchange like a US open tennis match. I was being serious though. We did have a plane to catch.
"Excuse me?" Lewis shouts. "You're going with him now?"
"What now you care about the trip?" Fray shouts back in equal anger. My stepmother was close to tears.
"You have got to be kidding me? You're not going on this trip with him of all people. That trip is for us, as a couple."
"No it isn't." Fray was roaring now but still her voice didn't waver. "It's not for us as a couple because you bailed on me." Why was no one intervening?
As much as I enjoyed Clary's foot-stamping and curl-shaking and Lewis getting his ass handed to him, someone needed to end this. I threw the bag that I had stuffed my bare essentials into onto my back and it settled comfortably between my shoulder blades. I strolled between the plush couches straight to Fray. I wrapped my arm once again around her slim frame and began to bodily remove her from the room. She struggles wildly, her Converse hitting my jean clad legs.
"Goodbye Lewis and Lewis' geeks," I yell over the din of Fray's protests. "Elaine I promise I will call every night. Ok that's a lie but I will check in. Father." I nod at him. "Oh and Fray's parents I'm guessing?" I can barely indicate to them with Fray's head in the way. "Lovely meeting you." I shoot them my most charming smile. I need to console them over the fact that their daughter is heading abroad with a tattooed near stranger.
Fray screams for her parents, Simon, anyone to come save her as I drag open the car door and manhandle her in. Once I've buckled her in she puts an end to the struggling.
I toss my bag into the backseat with her way-too-bright luggage before sliding into the driver's seat.
"Passport?" I ask nonchalantly as if I haven't just physically removed her from her boyfriend's home.
She swears. Wow Fray does have quite the temper.
"Shut it down," I growl at her, my hands tensing on the steering wheel. "He's not coming with you and I am. I am giving you thirty seconds to get over this little hissy fit and then I am heading straight for the airport as our plane leaves in," I check my watch. "One hour."
I was also giving Lewis thirty seconds to grow a pair of balls and save his relationship. I let out a sigh when I see his skinny legs come flailing down the porch steps.
He reaches the car and Fray refuses to open her window. So I do it for her.
"I'm sorry Clary."
Yuck begging. I hate begging.
"I love you, Clary Fray." He whispers to her. I can see her face blanch slightly. Lewis doesn't seem to notice.
She reaches out and gently touches her fingertips to his cheek. She leans forward and kisses him. Not the frenzied, passionate make-out session I had witnessed last night, this was slow and gentle and loving. I looked away.
I start the car, suddenly desperate to leave again. Even though it goes against every nerve in my body, I look over at them. Fray gives him a sad smile and I pull away from the porch quickly. I wink atLewis and reversed out the drive.
The car is silent for a few moments as Fray is lost in thought. I clear my throat, normally silence with girls is what I crave - except for when they're moaning my name- but silence with her makes me uncomfortable.
"That's the first time he's said that you know."
"Bullshit we are not having this conversation."
"Well what conversation do you want to have?" She barks at me. The temper returns.
"Talk about the flight."
"Pardon?" Her voice is suddenly confused.
"Talk about the flight." I insist. This will be the first time we've had a normal conversation, I think surprised.
"Why?" she asks incredulously.
I groan. Does she have to question everything I say?
"I've never been on an airplane and I'm curious. Is that a good enough reason for you?"
Her slender shoulders shrug delicately. Not that you can tell they're delicate under that too large flannel shirt but I have seen her in a tank top before. "I can't tell you much."
"Why?" I ask, turning onto the freeway.
"Well because I've never been on one either. Is that a good enough reason for you?" She mimics my words mockingly and I almost laugh. She knows how to throw it back.
"Well this really is an adventure isn't it?" I mulls over what I'm about to do. I'm about to go on holiday with my stepbrother's girlfriend.
She lapses back into silence. Normally I can't get her to shut up when I'm driving her and Lewis anywhere.
"Why did you choose France?" I press her, desperate for more conversation.
"For its beauty." She answered simply and I have no reply. I'm well known for choosing things for their beauty.
The airport looms and I took a sharp turn into the long-term car lot.
"Is your dad going to come pick your car up later or something?" Fray questions, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Nope," I pop my lips on the 'p'. "I don't want anybody touching my baby while I'm gone. Especially not your Simon."
"He's not my Simon." She mumbles defiantly. "Well he is. But he isn't."
I'm confused but don't comment.
I receive a ticket as I drove through the barrier and slid into the perfect spot. Fray stormed out of the car, seemingly unable to shake her bad mood. I groaned once again. This is going to be a long trip.
She wheels her bright suitcase along behind her as she stalked toward the sliding doors. Her left hand dangles freely by her side and I have a nauseating urge to interlock my fingers with hers and soothe her.
I ignore the urge and grab my rucksack. I shake my head once before loping along behind her.
I nearly slam into her as she stops abruptly inside the doors, her entire demeanour changed. She whirls to face me and her expression is hopeful and radiant if a little lost. She looks around wildly at the bustling crowd and flashing monitors. "Where do we go now?"
I join her in her wild staring.
"Jace?" she presses. It's the first time she's said my name and I jolt.
"How am I supposed to know?" I shrug at her.
A wicked grin lights her face. "Well let's go find out."
A/N: Occasionally there may be some direct quotes from the book. I just like to keep true to the story! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
