With two days until Rock Solid Panda's gig, Simon was in full crazy mode.
"Clary, do you think this flier catches the eye? Does it portray our cool yet totally rocker vibe?"
"Simon, you have already put up three different types of fliers around campus, another version on every social media, and a giant poster in the front of the dining hall, don't you think that's enough?"
"You don't understand! This could be our big break! We could go on to tour the world…"Simon looked off in a daze, suddenly enraptured by his daydream.
"Okay hot shot" I scuffed.
"Come on, Clary. Just entertain me. I need your artistic eye." Simon whined.
I didn't like getting his hopes up by making really awesome posters and having little to no one show up. Then there would be a week of ice cream eating, crying, movie binging (usually sci fis) and never leaving his room. He was worse than a girl whose boyfriend broke up with her on the same week she got her period and her dog died….Okay maybe that's a little over the top but Simon could be a handful sometimes.
"It looks really good, Simon. I swear." I smirk a little "I think my skills might be rubbing off on you"
A huge smile bloomed on Simon's face and I couldn't help but mirror that smile.
"So how are classes going?" I asked trying to move the conversation in a different direction. It had already been a couple months and things had been going well for me. You might be thinking "Wow Clary is making friends and enjoying school and everything is perfect for someone with anxiety." Fun fact: for someone with anxiety "well" really refers to the fact that I haven't had an anxiety attack since my night out with Jace.
I still haven't done anything with Izzy since bowling other than seeing her in class. Mostly my social interactions were limited to coffee with Simon and the occasional meetings with my teachers (I know I'm a pathetic college student). But this was okay for me. I didn't need Jace constantly making my life stressful and for once things were actually okay. I smiled to myself.
Jace knew my secret and I was okay with that. I knew he wouldn't tell anyone and honestly after drawing him I felt like I knew his secret too. It was nice to have someone understand why I was a loner and totally be okay with it. But the fact of the matter remains that when I'm around him I feel all sorts of emotions that are just not welcome right now. I still need to find myself and even though its only been two months, I've already started that journey.
"Oh man. Why did I choose engineering again? I swear the teachers are having a competition as to who can assign more work in a single week. I've basically lived at the library." Simon's head dropped.
"Should have become an art major. You get to spend hours drawing. You can't get much better" I joked.
"Well maybe I would have considered it if I could've learned to perfect a stick figure." Simon was truly awful at art.
"You're ridiculous"
We spent the next two hours laughing, talking and joking about everything. I may not have a large number of friends but I was okay with that, all I really needed was Simon.
With Simon's mention of the library, I thought that it might be a good idea to go that night. I had let my non art work build up and I really didn't want to be pulling all-nighters so soon in the semester.
As I walked to the big brick building containing dozens of studious students, I couldn't help but enjoy the air, stars and overall atmosphere that came with this school. The air was refreshingly cold and the stars were so clear it looked like there were more stars than sky.
I came upon the big open doors and, with only slight hesitation, walked inside. Although this was my first time at the library, I knew they had small individual rooms on the top floor, which I immediately headed to.
Dressed in black sweats, a green long sleeve, and a high bun, I choose a room towards the end. The room was small, smaller than a bathroom, and had just enough room for the door to swing open, a desk and a chair. It had a nice little window and a lock on the door. It was perfect.
I sat down, did as much procrastinating as I could which included turning on music, scrolling through social media and checking my three emails, until I finally opened my art history and art in society textbooks. I got to work.
I was about an hour and a half into one of my assignments when movement out the window caught my eye. I looked up to my surprise to see Jace deeply engrossed in a text.
Che. He doesn't seem like the studious type, more like the type to woo the teacher with good looks and charm.
A small smile dusted my lips as I thought about Jace in a small coffee shop enjoying a book. Such a strange daydream.
My thoughts were cut off when a busty redhead came sauntering up to him. She immediately hugged him from behind and planted a soft kiss on his temple. His smile was blinding. And right at the same time, I must have gotten something in my eye because my vision became blurry. I looked away, I needed to focus on my work. But after about two minutes of pretending to focus, I turned back. His smile had faded quite a bit, which made me annoyingly happy, but a kind smile stayed on his lips.
I watched the two engage in conversation, trying desperately to understand their miming. Her flirting so evident I wanted to puke. But she was beautiful and thus I hated her. She had curves that I could only dream about and a genuine smile. Her hair was not as bright red as mine but still natural and perfect.
Jace may not be beaming but I could tell he liked what he saw and was enjoying himself.
The room was starting to close in.
Jace didn't owe me anything and yet I still felt betrayed.
It hurt more than it should.
They were just talking.
He wasn't doing anything wrong.
I couldn't take that little room anymore. I guess it was a good idea that I witnessed the encounter. He may know my secret but that didn't mean we had to be close. It didn't mean that I was something more to him.
I gathered my stuff and headed out hoping he wouldn't notice. I stepped out of the room….
"Hey, Clary!"
I turn quickly and gasp slightly at his smile.
Stay cool Clary, don't forget what you just saw.
"Oh hey, never thought I'd see you here" I try to joke
"I'm actually here more than you think. Wanna join?"
I wasn't expecting an invite. I look over at the redhead.
"Naw, I'm good, I actually just finished. Plus you look a little busy." I say nodding toward the redhead. "I'll see you around."
I turn on my heel making sure he didn't have time to get a word in before I'm at the stairs heading down.
I didn't need him, I had Simon.
Oh, shoot, the concert. I meant to invite Jace and the gang….
I contemplate going back, but there is no way I can face that redhead again. I'm sure Ill be fine on my own.
What's the worse that can happen?
Hey Guys! Long time no see, haha I know, I'm an awful author. I decided to continue the story going and allow myself an outlet during the craziness of school. I hope you guys don't hate me too much and enjoy the next chapter. Hope Ill be able to post again relatively soon.
Love always 3
Undeniably Peculiar
