Chapter Eight

Clary POV:

Time Jump-End of senior year:

Graduation was slowly approaching, and I couldn't be more excited about my life for once. My father had gone on trial, and he was found guilty of 14 counts of child abuse. He was sentenced to 2 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, and he as finally out of my life.

Flashback to the day of the verdict:

We were all sitting in the courtroom waiting for the jury to come back in with the verdict. We were all there, Jace, Izzy, Alec, and I along with Mayrse. The trial had lasted a month, and lets just say if I wasn't the talk of the town already, I certainly was now. I sat there impatiently until the jurors finally filed in. I could feel Jace's hands squeeze mine and I knew that no matter, I would have him by my side.

"Jury, do we have a verdict?" The judge asked and the Juror number 1 stood up.

"Yes we do your honor." And with that she handed the verdict to the judge, and he proceeded to read it out loud. My heart was racing and I could feel the wave of anxiety roll over me like a steamroller.

"In the case of Valentine Morgenstern, we find the defendant GUILTY of all 14 counts of child abuse in the first degree." I stopped breathing and almost fell to the floor. It was finally over, and I was finally free.

Flashback ended.

I had moved in with the Lightwoods until the end of the school year. Since my dad was now in jail for life, and I am the only living relative he has, I got all his money. I didn't care about being rich though, the best gift I've ever received was the love and kindness that the Lightwoods have shown me.

With my new money, I decided to give back as much as I could to the Lightwoods, because I wanted them to know that I was appreciative for everything they have done for me. I gave Izzy a chunk of money to go on her very own and very extensive shopping spree. I gave Alec a chunk of money so that he could buy whatever he so desired because lets be real, who really knows what Alec likes, since Max was only 9, I gave his parents a check with his name on it that he could have when he turned 18. As for Jace, I had my own very special way of giving him his gift. Ever since we met, I could tell he fell in love with my car. And why wouldn't you? It was a beautiful car, and I was going to give him one, but I waited until school. Making a public scene was never my thing, but I think this was a special case.

Jace POV:

Izzy, Alec and I were waiting outside of school waiting for Clary to show up. She told us she would met us there today because she had something to take care of, and I was kind of nervous.

"Izzy, have you heard from Clary? I'm getting nervous, she should be here by now." I didn't want to sound like I was freaking out, but it was true, she should have been here by now.

"I think she's pulling in right now." I turn to look, but I realize she isn't driving her normal car. Her BMW was a bright white, and this car was a deep black. She pulled into the spot next to us and hopped out of the car.

"I was getting worried, I thought you decided to ditch us." I gave her a hug, and a kiss on the cheek.

"I just had to stop and pick up your car." She threw the keys at me and I just couldn't believe what she had just said. My car? MY car?

"Clary. What do you mean my car?" I asked, still quite shocked but before I could say anything else she walked up to me, grabbed the back of my neck and pressed her lips to mine. I certainly didn't object to this, and just went right along with it. I could hear the ohhs and ahhs from the crowd. I could hear some girl's disappointed sighs and some of the guys groans. But I didn't care because Clary Fray was mine, and that's all I could ever want.

"I love you Jace Lightwood, and I always will. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for everything you've done for me this past year. I couldn't have gotten through it without you. This is my thank you, and I know it doesn't even come close to how much I want to thank you, but I felt like it was a start. So, thank you Jace, for everything." I stared in her emerald green eyes and I just couldn't believe that amount of sincerity that came from her mouth, all I could do was kiss her.

"I love you too Clary Fray." The bell rang, and we walked hand in hand into school. The rest of the year went by really fast, and we graduated. The future is certainly bright for all of us, and especially for Clary and I.

The End