CHAPTER 21

Ok so I believe a "Welcome Back" sign needs to be hung by this point. I always hated when I read a story, got into it, and then found that the writer takes a REALLY LONG TIME TO UPDATE. I understand why now, haha, life sort of gets in the way some times—that and a terrible memory span that hold similar capabilities of a goldfish.

Okay, well then without a further wait, I present chapter 21. Unlike the others, this will be a split POV between Clary and Jace. It will bounce back and forth a few times—I just think that both are at a relatively pivotal point (which is quite tedious) so I figured it would be good to keep up with both of them for the next day.

CLARY'S/JACE'S POV

Like most nights I found my sleep being barraged by images, memories, experiences, and feelings. It's hard to pin point any one scene or moment, so like most times I just sit along for the ride and hope to hell I don't find myself sprawled out on the cold hard floor come morning time.

When I did wake up, eyes still heavy from the intense dream that was quickly fading from the recesses of my mind, I find my eyes making contact with slanted yellow ones.

A dry "meow" was the simple reply as the cat turned his head, pointedly ignoring me as it went about its business cleaning every nook and cranny of its black paw.

I frowned. Since when did Alec own a cat?

Unlike the resolution I'd made last night, I had found myself back at Alec's place—or his couch to be more accurate. When I had arrived back at this house last night Alec had answered the door with a knowing look on his face. But he didn't say anything, just stepped back to let me in. Then he moved to his room, just to return seconds later with a pillow. Without another word I settled myself on his couch and he moved back into his bedroom.

And now here I was. Sprawled somewhere between the couch cushion and the carpeted floor. As I moved to stretch the cat paused its cleaning and eyed me warily. When I posed no threat, he again continued on with his daily cleaning. Once I was settled in a somewhat seated position I roughly ran my hands through my unruly hair.

I grimaced. I really needed to brush my teeth. I could still taste the cheese burger from last night at Carl's. The thought brought a smile to my face.

Clary.

I was partially still in awe. It felt like the entire night was one of my dreams. My smile widened further.

She didn't run for the hills, she didn't become disgusted, she just listened. Part of me was amazed—the part that was still only accustomed to the judgemental state most of the people I knew lived in. The sort of secured little bubble that was fortified by misconceptions, rules, and gossip. If Clary had been Alec I knew everything I told her would become morning news.

Alec was my best friend, and I know he wouldn't mean harm by it, but its just how he grew up. How we grew up. Nothing ever stayed a secret long in the lives of the rich and famous—that's why therapists were as common here as miniature dogs. The only true silence was the one that was paid for.

I found myself frowning again when I realized that at the moment I seemed anything but rich. I was sleeping at my friend place with no real home to go to. Sure I had my car and I had my bank account—signs of richness if you considered the amount of money in both—but I had no home. No real place to call my own.

My bitter thoughts turned to Valentine. I had given him a chance last night and he had practically ignored it the same way this cat was ignoring me—with indifference and slight annoyance. My father, a title in which would never really be synonymous with Valentine, was, for all intents and purposes—dead to me.

Vicious, I know, but that's how I felt.

Rising from the couch I stretched my arms over my head and slanted my body side to side hearing it crack here and there as I yawned. The cat lifted its head, suddenly more aware of me now that it realized I was larger than I initially appeared. His eyes narrowed slightly before his rose to his own feet and scurried down the hall out of sight.

Scratching my stomach I looked around in search for something to do. My stomach's growling reply set my sights towards the fridge. But before I opened the door I noted that my phone was vibrating. Pulling it from my back pocket, I grasped it in one hand as I tugged the fridge open with the other. What I saw made me pause again. A huge grin splitting across my face.

Good Morning

The text message read, though my phone didn't recognize the number. But I knew right away who it was.

Good morning beautiful :)

I grabbed the orange juice from the fridge and placed two pieces of bread in the toaster. My phone vibrated again.

:) Did you sleep well?

I considered the question for a moment. My first response was to just give the regular: Yes, how about you? But for the first time I really wanted to talk to someone. People speak to each other every day, but no one really says anything.

It had its ups and downs. Though I am pretty sure I would have slept
a lot better if you had been here with me ;)

I smirked slightly. I could just imagine Clary's cheeks reddening when she read that. Her response was quick.

Behave mister!

Her two simple words had me grinning like a fool.

We still on for today?

As I waited for her reply I buttered my toast and carried my plate and cup back to the couch. Checking the time I noted that it was almost 9 in the morning so Clary was likely already at school. Listening I also noted that the house was quiet as well. Either everyone was still asleep or Alec and Isobel had already left for school.

School. The concept seemed so unimportant right now. I could barely fathom finding a place to stay for the next few days let alone learn algebra.

Getting an idea I grabbed the morning newspaper. As I laid it down on the table in front of me I could feel my phone vibrate again.

I hope so :)
I can't wait to see you.

Her response was simple and to the point. That's another thing I loved about Clary, she didn't beat around the bush or play hard to get like every other girl I knew.

I'll be there for 3.
Now shouldn't you be studying or something? :P

I settled back in the couch for a moment, anxiously awaiting her reply. I felt like a little kid waiting to open his birthday present. That's what every response from this girl felt like. God she was right, I am a hopeless romantic. I cringed slightly at the thought.

Her text came in.

Ha! I could say the same about you mister.
And no, I am strategically pretending to be
interested in my math book while in all reality
I am using it a shield for my text messaging.
I am going to hell. Haha.

I shook my head as I let out a little laugh.

Well aren't you a crafty one?
Unlike you I decided to skip for the day.

Leaning forward I turned the newspaper to the Realtor section and scoured the apartment listings for the area. I could easily afford each and every one of the listings—that wasn't the problem. The only daunting thought I was having was the fact that except for these impromptu sleepovers, I had never truly been on my own. Ever. The realization was sobering.

My phone distracted me for a moment.

Yes well not all of us can simply get by
on our good looks and charm :P Some
of us need to make a living—eventually!

She had a point. In her world having a life was based upon the amount of work you were willing to put into making it. In mine it was simply just a matter of who you knew and how much money you had behind you—which in my case was a lot.

Touché. But then again you could
always just marry a ridiculously rich
old man and wait until he dies to inherit
his millions :P

Her response was quick and pithy.

You offering?

I knew her response was playful but part of me sat in stunned silence. It took me a moment to shake myself from my thoughts. I reread the simple message and found myself blushing. Me, Jace Wayland, blushing.

The moment I sent the text message I regretted it.

I mean what was I thinking?

I bit my lip feeling self-conscious all of a sudden. I stared at my phone, waiting for Jace's response. The seconds ticked by slowly without a reply.

Good job Clary, he is probably thinking you're some kind of crazy person. I had meant it as a joke, but the moment I pushed the send button I reminded myself that typed words don't exactly convey emotions. So he might not see it as a joke.

I buried my face in my arm, glad I was hidden by my propped up textbook. The entire room was quiet but I could see a few other students mimicking me and using their books as a shield from the teachers view as they fiddled with their phones.

When my phone lit I held my breath as I looked at the screen. I exhaled in relief.

Depends...are you intending on smothering
me in my sleep?

I could feel my face breaking out into a relieved grin.

Perhaps. Though it would totally depend
on whether or not you snore. I can get pretty
murderous when it comes to snorers.

As I hit send, a small smile on my face I could sense someone eyes on me. Looking up I was relieved it wasn't the teacher. However my heart sunk when I realized it was Simon. When my eyes made contact with his from where he sat a few seats down, I felt a sinking feeling in my chest. I couldn't read his expression—his eyes were guarded and his lips were set in a firm line. He dropped his gaze from mine and pointedly focused back on his work. I leaned forward and crossed my arms across my desk.

Ever since last night I had a bad feeling. I had texted Simon this morning, and he hadn't responded. He usually replied within a minute or two, but this time he didn't say a word. He also didn't meet me outside my house to walk to school with me as per our usual routine. I had even stepped over to his place to knock. When his mom answered she told me that he had left nearly ten minutes ago. I had walked to school alone and felt miserable. I didn't mean to hurt Simon, hell I didn't think me hanging around with Jace would get such a response from him. Simon and I had been friends for years, and not once has he ever been this distant with me.

I glanced over to where he was sitting. His head was still down and he was glaring at his book. He didn't look up once. Sighing I looked back at my phone. I had a message waiting for me from Jace. Since I had it on silent I had to check every couple of minutes for a message because I didn't want to risk the sound of it vibrating cluing my teacher in to my activities.

Well I am a goner then.
Is it weird that I already miss you?

I smiled again, Jace's simple words lifting part of the weight from my shoulders. I could feel my heart warming and I was pretty sure I was blushing.

I knew I had no reason to feel guilty. I hadn't done anything wrong. Simon's anger was confusing to me and, in my opinion, misplaced. Plus, he couldn't ignore me forever—after all I am his neighbor.

My response was quick and simple.

I hope not. I feel the same :)

When the bell rang I felt myself jump a little bit in surprise. The hour went by so quickly. Grabbing my textbook I hastily shoved it into my knapsack which I tossed over my shoulder. Phone still grasped in my hand, I made my way out of the room and headed to my next class. I had that one with Simon as well. We would usually wait for each other but his attitude was bothering me and I didn't want to dignify it by grovelling to him for no reason. After all I didn't do anything to deserve this response.

Sure I told a little white lie as to my intentions for getting Jace's address—but who hasn't lied at least once in their life? It's not exactly like I make a habit out of it.

As I enter my next class, I take my regular seat in the back of the room. Just as I expected, when Simon enter the room he noted my seat and made a b-line in the opposite direction. I scowled at the back of his head. If he wanted to be childish two could easily play that game. Ignoring him myself, I pulled my English binder from my bag and propped it up much like my math text. Taking my phone out I gazed down at the screen. Jace had responded already.

Good, thought I was going crazy for a moment.
So what are you doing right now?
Filling your mind with beautiful knowledge?

I snorted. Looking up a noted a few people glaring at me.

Whoops, did that a little too loud.

Ignoring my audience I looked back at my phone.

Just snorted in the middle of class. The sound
was not appreciated. Haha. And sadly no
knowledge is being retained as I am too distracted
by your incessant messaging :P

I couldn't remember the last time I wrote so much in a text message. I am usually content with one or two word responses, but with Jace it's different. I have so much I want to say to him with no way of expressing it without paragraphs.

Though he doesn't seem to mind—thank god.

Well then Miss Fray, that's just too damn bad.
Guess you'll have to learn to multitask.

Once again I can feel his words warming me. Part of me feels like giggling with childish glee while the other part wants to hug myself and simply bask in my happiness. I couldn't remember the last time I felt like this about anyone or anything. Instead I settled with a simple smile.

Well Mr Wayland I guess I am going to have to.
Part of me wants to ditch the rest of the day and
spend it with you.

I sighed again. I was so tempted.

His response was quick and to the point.

What's stopping you?

He had a point. It's not like I was paying attention anyways. I was here merely for appearances sake by this point. I felt a devilish smile creep over my face. I don't remember ever playing hooky for a day. The idea thrilled me.

Nothing. Come?

Once again his response was instantaneous.

Be there in twenty.

Woah, I was really gunna skip school. I looked carefully around the class as if my intentions were blatantly obvious. Without realizing my it I found my hand being raised high in the air.

It took her a moment but my English teach eventually noticed me. "Yes, Clary?" A few student raised their heads in mild curiosity—including Simon. He eyed me shrewdly. I ignored him.

"May I be excused? I am not feeling very good." I kept my face sober and tried to make my expression look a little bleak so it seemed more believable.

My teacher frowned at me but shrugged, either believing me or not really caring. Rising from my seat I hauled my bag over my shoulder and tucked my binder under my arm. Without looking at Simon I exited the room and resisted the urge to run down the hallway towards the exit.

When I stepped through the doors I breathed in a deep sigh of relief. Checking my phone I noted I had no messages from Jace so he was likely already on his way here. I still had about fifteen minutes until I expected him so I settled myself on one of the benches that littered my small school.

Pulling a book from my bag I settled back on the cool seat and flipped open the novel to my ear-marked page. In seconds I was immersed in the story.

Alright! There we go (finally)

next chapter is coming right away :)

I believe this was much overdue.

Ps. for those who are interested listen to "We dont't eat" by James Vincent McMorrow. Had this song on repeat while I was writing this :)