Yeah, I know this is a VERY short chapter. This is just a prelude for the next chapter. But I hope you'll still like it. =)

Chapter 21: When in Doubt

[CPOV]

I don't know what's the thing I dread will happen tonight. Is it because of what I'm wearing or because I'm now finally going to tell Jace, my one true love, the truth of who I really am. I've been feeling uneasy since he left this morning. I skipped lunch and locked myself in my room the whole afternoon. I'm so unsure of what his reaction will be. When Iz called me and told me that Jace asked her about the "secret", she reassured me that all would be fine. Dylan said he said to Jace that he should not take it seriously and Iz told me she advised Jace that he should let me explain before he decide for himself on what to do. I hope it would not change our relationship. Argh!

Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in…shit! I'm not really feeling well. I want to bury myself and never explain this completely secret thing to Jace. If that Victoria didn't open her big mouth, this will not be happening! She's messing with me! And I swear to her when I get this thing straight, I'm going to let her feel and see what kind of person I am. Damn her, to death!

Oh my God! Let it drop Clary. Just look your best tonight, explain the truth to Jace and hope he understands. I wish…he'll understand…

It's 6:45 p.m. Damn, I need to get dress now. Iz said the party will start at 8 p.m and we need to get there before 8 o'clock.

I pulled on my D&G black sequined dress and slipped on my black glitter sandals. It took me two times to do my make-up. The first time I applied a make-up, I look like the ordinary Clary Fray wearing an expensive designer dress and shoes, and then I remember I need to look like Clarissa Morgenstern. The second time I applied a make-up I look like me, again, the old silly me. I applied pink blush-on, gold eyeshadow, black eyeliner, glitter mascara and pinkish-red lipstick. If I dyed my hair blonde again, I'll look like Clarissa Morgenstern, and I could win the Best in Costume award.

I'm ready…am I? I let out a heavy sigh and stared at my reflection at the mirror. I can't see Clary Fray, the normal looking girl who doesn't wear designer things and don't give a damn what she looks, but instead, I see the infamous Clarissa Morgenstern, the wild carefree child of Valentine Morgenstern who loves the spotlight and loves and only wears designer things and obviously gives a damn on what she looks. Is telling Jace now the right thing to do? Well, I hope so.

A loud beep of a car horn made me jerked. Jocelyn called me and said it was Iz and Jace. Dylan and I are going to ride with them. I grabbed my black clutch and stuck inside it my small wallet, phone and make-up. I ran down the stairs in the living room where everybody is. The twins are also there, with ALINE, who is deep in conversation with Victoria. They both glared at me, coldly, when they saw me.

Dylan's costume is a vampire costume. He smiled at me to show off his fangs. Iz is dressed as a sexy waitress. Jace looked so formal. He's wearing a suit and a tie and black shoes.

"What are you?" I asked curiously.

"I'm tired of wearing silly stupid costumes," he explained, "so I decided to go as I businessman. What are you?"

"I heard businessmen like getting affair with other women besides their wives. So Clary is a prostitute. Isn't that amazing, both of you coordinated. Is that a coincidence or planned?" Aline said disgustingly. I was speechless. Me, a prostitute?

"Ahh, sorry to disappoint you, Aline, but I'm Clarissa Morgenstern, not a lowly prostitute." I snapped at Aline.

"Darling, they're both the same. Clarissa Morgenstern is a prostitute." Grandmother Victoria stated, smirking at me. I scowled at her, which she answered back with a smile. I hate this woman.

"Wow, you look like Clarissa Morgenstern, Clary, except the hair." Jace complimented. I thanked him and complimented him on his costume too.

Iz and Dylan shot me a look and both of them are raising their eyebrows at me. I know what that means. Dylan's look said, "Tell him the truth now" while Iz's look said, "don't lie to him". God, this is pressuring me, a little. I shot them back a I-don't-know-what-to do look.

"Hmm. Let's go?" Jace asked unaware of our exchanging looks. Iz and Dylan went out first and Jace and I followed.

"Clary!" I heard Jocelyn yell. I turned to her. "Enjoy yourself." She said. I nodded and gave her a small smile

I've been very busy studying these past days that I don't have time writing. It sucks. It's summer vacation but I still need to study! Please bear with me. =)

xoxo, Lady Denise