Hello again dear readers. I got a bitchy AN dedicated to me and several bitchy PM's for a review that an author didn't like (Hey if you can't take criticism don't beg for a review) but for some reason that bitchyness as inspired me to write. Not sure why but that's great news what you think. Anyway enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think as always. I would recommend listening to Chopin's Prelude No. 4 when he plays it because it really is very nice. I only chose that one because it's the only Chopin piece I can play.

It wasn't the same with Jace. He didn't act superior with me. He treated me like an equal, like our gender had no impact on anything at all. Not that we saw each other that often. Only in passing and at mealtimes I was kept so busy with 'lady training': Eugh! I don't even want to think about it. The amount of things my mother has made me do, the amount of ridiculous dresses I've been forced in to, and you can't even imagine it. My family definitely don't do things halfway.

I was sat at the table when my father made his announcement.

"My dear Clarissa, as Mr. Santiago will be arriving in just a few days, your mother and I have decided that to greet him you shall perform a piece of piano music."

"But-"

"Silence child, has Jocelyn not yet taught you that talking is a very unattractive quality in a potential wife, not to mention interrupting. Anyway as I was saying, I realise your education in the musical arts is somewhat lacking but we are very lucky to have Jonathon Christopher Herondale staying with us. He is more than able to teach you a simple tune. You will begin this afternoon immediately after your etiquette class and will not stop until dinner. You are dismissed." I stood and hurried out. Four hours alone with just Jace was scaring me more than the thought of performing for Raphael.

My etiquette lesson dragged, I was revising the proper way in which to introduce oneself but really my mind was wondering to my next lesson. I was both excited and terrified at the thought of spending that much time with Jace, we hadn't brought up what had happened at the ball and it seemed as if Jace wanted to keep it that way. It was probably for the best; if my father found out there'd be trouble and I would be to blame.

"Clarissa, it is now time for you to go downstairs and meet with Jonathan." I nodded and walked away. I was dragging my feet; walking as slowly as possible but I was finding it difficult to not step of the hem of my dress. That would've been awfully embarrassing if I had tripped and took flight down the stairs.

"Come in." A voice beckoned before I had even knocked.

"How did you-"

"I could hear those God awful heels clacking outside." I looked down and my face flushed red.

"Oh, I'd much rather wear trainers but my Mother threw out my converses. She said they weren't feminine enough." He beckoned me to sit next to him on the piano.

"I thought we'd look at Chopin's Prelude No. 4? It's by far his easiest prelude but still very pleasant. I'll play it for you first and then we can get started." His fingers lightly spread over the ivory keys of my grand piano and started to play. The sound that came out was breathtaking. His hands expertly found the right notes without any difficulty at all and the melody was strong and sweet.

"It's beautiful." I whispered, in awe of his skill and technique.

"Yes well I learned from a very small child, it will be much more difficult for you to perfect. It's doable though," he turned to face me and smirked. "Especially with me as a teacher." There was that arrogance again. "Right, so we'll start with the right hand, the notes themselves are really very easy but the timing is a little more difficult. Now the piece is in common time and you play the note on the beat between three and four." My face clearly showed that I really had no clue what he had just said as he continued. "Here, I'll show you." He started to play again but this time slower. "1 & 2 & 3 & 4. You play this right hand note on the and between three and four. Shall we try? I'll play left and you right." He shuffled down the bench so that he was at one end and I could sit the other.

"Will you tell me when?"

"I'll count with you."

-LINE-

An hour later and I think I'd finally cracked the timing issue; I still couldn't play it though.

"It'll take time, you'll get it." He smiled but then his face darkened. "Just in time to impress your fiancé." I sighed and looked at my feet.

"Please don't remind me about that, I'm trying to forget. It works sometimes but not often. I'm not ready to be someone's wife; I can barely pull off being someone's daughter. Oh and I am so sick of etiquette and sewing and wearing ridiculous clothes! Why can't I just be me?"

"Let's get out of here."

"What? But I'm grounded, like forever." I'm not allowed to go anywhere and certainly not unchapperoned." He smiled.

"I'll be your chaperone. I'll just say you need some more sheet music and I want to bring you so that you can choose something that is suited to you." I considered this, I wasn't sure that my father would fall for it but what could he do? Say no, that was all.

Okay so a little bit short again I'm sorry but I did update only yesterday. OMG did I just break a record? I don't think I've ever updated that quickly. But anyhow, until next time review and sayonara!

Unscenced X

P.S I have the beginning of an original story that I'd like at some point to finish. I'm not looking to get it published or anything I just want it to be done. For that I need someone to check over it, preferable someone who is good at grammar and spelling and can just give some helpful hints about where I sound like an idiot. I'm a slow writer so it won't be much commitment (you'd be lucky if you got a chapter a month) but PM me if you're interested or stick it in a review.