All Characters belong to Cassie, just the plot belongs to me
I have to admit that yesterday was a great day. Ana got to spend hours dressing up in all manner of outfits, though most of them would not work for school. Some of the clothing was a little outlandish and they would never pass the school's dress code. Ana also stuck to her guns and refused to try on a single dress or skirt. Izzy said she would be keeping them. She is determined to get Ana into a skirt at least. However, Izzy does not realize how fast kids grow and most of the clothing she bought may not fit in a few months.
Magnus decided that he needed a kid's line as part of his new clothing line. I think he just wants an excuse to make Ana a thousand different outfits. Izzy and Magnus were so great with her. They were patient and kind, which can sometimes be difficult with a small child.
They decided to stay for dinner, which was again a one sided conversation with Ana asking them a lot of questions and not giving them enough time to actually answer her. Magnus did try and ask me about the comment I had made earlier a few times, but I was able to deflect them. My only problem now is trying to figure out the best way to get Magnus off my case.
This is when an idea hits me. I call my mother and ask if she would allow Ana to spend the night. I told her that I wanted to go out and have some fun. She was a little shocked by this, mainly because I never go out anymore. To settle her down, I said that I needed some grownup time and it was about time I settled things with the old group. After getting off the phone I told Ana about my plans. I assured her that I was going out very close to her bed time, so we would not lose any Momma and Ana time. I also promised to pick her up in the morning for school.
Next step was to call Izzy and tell her I wanted to go out. I knew that girl would take any chance to dress me up and take me out clubbing. She kept saying I looked stressed last night, which is the truth. Even though a good night sleep is appealing, I need to do some damage control. Izzy said she would meet me at my mom's house around 7 o'clock to help me get ready. It still kills me that she needs at least 2 hours to work her magic on me. I decided Ana could stay up till 9 so she could see what Izzy does to me. As much as the prospect of allowing Izzy to dress me and do my makeup makes me cringe, I know I need to get the whole group focused on the here and now. I need them to forget about the past. The more questions they ask, the harder it becomes to lie.
True to her word, Izzy was at my mother's house at 7 to get me ready. Ana sat on my old bed watching Izzy pull large amounts of items from her bag. She also started to giggle when she saw my face as Izzy handed me a piece of fabric and said it was a dress. "This is not a dress Iz, this is a tiny piece of cloth that is not going to cover anything." I tell her. "Clary, I promise it will cover up everything that is needed, but shows off your rockin' body all at the same time." she winks at me while saying this.
"Ana make a note. Never let Izzy dress you up when you are older. You will have to sit for hours while she tugs at your hair, puts you in stupid clothes and then plasters your face with makeup." I say to her. Ana just giggles and watches at I squeeze into my dress. "But Momma, you said no one can dress you up like Aunt Izzy." she tells me.
"Hush you. You are supposed to be on my side. Iz do I really have to go out looking like this? What kind of example am I setting for my kid over there?" I ask her. "You are showing her that even a mom can look fabulous." is all Izzy says before she starts in on my hair.
Two very long hours later Izzy is finally done with me. The whole time she would not let me look in the mirror. I fear for what I must look like. "Okay now you can look." Izzy tells me. I walk over to the mirror and it is like staring back at my 17 years old self the night we went to our last party as a group. I had to sneak out of the house that night, because I knew my mother would have lost her shit if she saw me in this type of outfit. I smile. That was also the night Jace and I created Ana. What can I say, one too many shots plus a short dress for me equaled a really fun but consequence filled night. I don't regret it though, but I think tonight I need to stay away from the drinks. Plus it has been years since I have had anything to drink, so I am a total lightweight now.
"You look fabulous Momma. Green looks pretty on you." She is in awe of how I look. Wow she is starting to make me tear up. I realize now that my smile is reaching my eyes, something that does not happen often. I know she is happy, but I think for the first time she sees that I am happy. "Okay little-bit, it is time to go to bed. I let you stay up late enough."
"But Momma, I want to say goodnight to everyone. I promise after that I will go straight to bed." she begs. "Fine, why don't you go announce me." I tell her. Now Ana has a confused look on her face. "That means go tell everyone Momma is coming downstairs." Izzy tells her. With that Ana is off the bed running down the stairs. Okay time to get this show on the road.
Before I leave the room I turn to Izzy. "Who all is coming tonight?" I didn't ask earlier because I was so focused on getting everything set up for tonight. "The usual, Simon, Alec, Magnus and Jace." she says trying to gauge my reaction. Keeping my smile on and emotions in check I say "Okay, I was just wondering."
"Momma, they are ready for you!" Ana yells from the bottom of the stairs. "Here we go Izzy." I say walking out of my old room and down the stairs. I make it to the bottom to see Ana with a bright smile on her face. I give her a kiss and tell her goodnight before she runs upstairs to bed. This is when I see everyone staring at me. Jace in particular has his mouth hanging open in what I can only describe as awe and shock.
I walk over to him and place two fingers under his chin. I push his mouth closed and say "Don't want any flies getting in there." It is the same thing he said and did to me my freshman year of high school when I saw him shirtless at the pool. He smiles and looks before saying "Wow you look incredible Clary."
"I know." is all I say before grabbing my bag and walk to the door. "Time to get this party started!" Izzy exclaims as we all walk outside and towards the subway. Maybe tonight will be more fun than I thought it would be I think with a smile on my face
