Another day, another chapter…
I am not Cassandra Clare, thank you very much.
Chapter 3
One month later... moving day.
Clary had just landed in Idris after a long 6-hour flight and couldn't wait to crash in her old room at her mom's house. She hoped they had kept it much the same, even though she wouldn't actually be staying there more than one night.
Clary's dad insisted on buying her all new everything, as a graduation present. Yes, she knows she's spoiled… not to mention she could have used her trust fund money, that she has yet to touch, but when Valentine Morgenstern insists on something it's easiest to just let it be. Regardless, her new furniture and car – yes, he bought her a freaking car – would be delivered tomorrow, then she would officially move into the downtown condo with Izzy. Her art supplies had to be shipped from Alicante, and Clary desperately hopes they don't get damaged in the move. Of course, she also has some clothes shopping to do, since she could only bring one large suitcase and carry-on on the plane, but Clary knows Izzy and Magnus will be more than willing to help with that. Maybe a little too willing, Clary thinks.
Clary is pleasantly surprised when she sees her childhood best friend, Simon Lewis, waiting at the car with her mom and Luke and she runs to him and wraps her legs around his waist in a tight hug. "I missed you so much, Si!"
"I missed you, too, short stuff, but do you need to strangle me to death, jeez!" Simon mock choked out, although he couldn't keep the smile off his face at seeing his best friend for the first time in months.
Clary playfully slaps Simon on the shoulder and runs to hug her mom and Luke next. "Thank you for picking me up, although I totally could have gotten a Lyft." Clary said.
"Nonsense, our baby girl is top priority. Let's get you home. Are you hungry? We could grab Chinese on the way." Jocelyn asked in a motherly way. Maybe dad isn't the only one who spoils me… Clary thought gratefully. "Mom, I'm always hungry… especially for Lucky 32… You know this!" Clary teased.
"How about you, Simon?" Jocelyn asked.
"Is that even a real question, Mrs. G?" Simon asked seriously.
Clary couldn't help but admire how much Simon had grown up these past four years. Sure, she had seen him here and there when she would come home for breaks, but for some reason it never hit her until now. His brown hair was still sleepily tousled, but it almost looked purposely styled that way now. He had exchanged his glasses for contacts or maybe Lasik… Clary made a mental note to ask him about that later. He was also tanned from the start of the Summer, and he was far more filled out than when they were 18-year-old kids. Go Simon… no wonder he had finally shed his shyness and had juggled a few girls over the past couple of years, Clary thought.
As they drove to her parent's house, Clary looked out the window and smiled to herself as she wondered what else she missed over the past four years.
The next day…
Clary stood outside of her new condo she would be sharing with Izzy and took a deep breath as she knocked three times.
"Biscuit!" Magnus yelled as he opened the door and wrapped Clary in a bone-crushingly tight hug.
"Mags! I didn't know you would be here! How are you?!" Clary managed to screech out, while her lungs were still being crushed by her best friend's hug.
Magnus dropped her back to her feet and looked her up and down and laughed "You think I would miss seeing my girl into her new condo?! Plus, I have to introduce you to Izzy… I can't believe you had never met before and now you will be living together! Come on!" Magnus gestured Clary in as he helped her with her two bags. "Is this all you brought with you?!"
"Well, I told you my furniture is being delivered today, my art supplies later this week, and yeah these are the only clothes I brought." Clary said as a tall and curvy brunette with straight black hair and dark eyes walked into the entryway.
The brunette and Magnus just looked at each other and simultaneously squealed "shopping!".
Clary's eyes widened and she couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into as the brunette walked over and threw her arms around Clary for yet another hug.
"Clary! It's so nice to finally meet you! This one…" The brunette, that Clary could only assume was her new roommate, Isabelle Lightwood, said while releasing the hug and gesturing towards Magnus, "hasn't shut up about you moving home in weeks!"
Clary let out a loud laugh as Magnus glared at Izzy. "It's so nice to meet you, too, Isabelle… and don't worry, he hasn't shut up about you since you guys started working together back in high school."
Isabelle laughed, "Oh my God, please don't call me Isabelle, only my parents call me that." she said while wrinkling her nose in disgust.
Clary laughed again, "Sounds good, Izzy."
Magnus smiled, "I knew you two would get along… now onto more important matters…" he said while clapping his hands loudly, "your welcome back party, Biscuit! Do you want it at the condo, or should we rent some booths at Pandemonium?"
Clary smiled at the sound of that, she was always one for a good party. "Definitely Pandemonium… take it back full circle, Mags."
Magnus smiled mischievously, "Perfect. Today you get settled in, tomorrow we go shopping!"
Izzy jumped and squealed again at the reminder of tomorrow's events.
Clary just laughed as she thought, it's so good to be home.
The next day…
Clary's deep red hair spread out on her pillow as she flopped down onto her new bed with a deep sigh. Oh my God, I've never been so tired! she thought. Magnus and Izzy take shopping to a whole new level…
After nine straight hours of shopping, she was completely set with a brand-new wardrobe. Clary couldn't help but think she was now a walking model for Warlock's Boutique. Honestly, as tiring as it was, she really had a lot of fun with Magnus and Izzy. She can see why they get along so well and make such successful business partners.
Just as Clary's eyes were starting to close, she heard the familiar sound of a new text notification. Sighing she looked at her phone and let out a groan when she saw Seb's name come across the screen. Swiping to check the message she couldn't help but remember a conversation her, Magnus, and Izzy had that afternoon…
"So, Clary. Magnus says you are newly single and ready to mingle. Any guys you want to reconnect with here in Idris, or are you on the prowl?" Izzy asked.
"Not sure if I'm really ready for all that, but I'm always up for a good time." Clary laughed and winked at Izzy.
"Eek, I just love playing matchmaker-"
"Says the chronic commitment-phobe…" Magnus said with a roll of his eyes.
"Hey, I could totally commit, I just haven't found anyone worth my time! Speaking of, Clary, do you have any hot friends in town that you could invite to the party tomorrow night?" Izzy asked.
"Hmmm, I'm inviting my friend Maia and her boyfriend Jordan, maybe I can ask if he has any single friends. He's in a band, so that's always a hot vibe. Actually, Simon used to be in his band. He's coming tomorrow, have you met him yet? Simon, Mags, and I were all super close throughout high school." Clary said. Simon and Izzy might make an odd couple, but sometimes opposites attract, she couldn't help but think.
"Simon? That doesn't sound familiar… why haven't I met him yet, Mags?" Izzy glared at Magnus and asked.
"You have met him, Iz. He has been to the store to help us with the computer a few times… you know, nerdy guy with glasses and terrible taste in clothing?" Magnus reminded her.
"You told me his name was Seymour!" Izzy said.
"Simon, Seymour, Stanley… I can never remember, honestly." Magnus said.
Clary couldn't help but laugh at her friends' antics, until Izzy turned her attention back on her.
"You know what you need, Clary?!" Clary wearily looked at Izzy as she continued, "You need good old-fashioned rebound sex!"
Clary sighed and ran her hand through her hair, "Iz-"
"She's totally right, Biscuit! We are finding you a man to take home tomorrow night, and I know just the outfit to get the job done!" Magnus winked at Izzy and grinned mischievously.
Magnus was right, he did pick a dress that was sure to get her laid… But Clary couldn't help but wonder if she was ready for that, as she finally glanced at the text from Sebastian.
Hey Clare, just wanted to see how you are settling in. Jon and I miss you on this side of the country. – Seb
Thx… things are good, minus not being able to feel my feet after an epic day of shopping with Mags and Izzy. Miss you guys, too. XOXO – Clary
Lol, wish I was there to rub them for you… - Seb
Lol, if only – they are throwing me a party tomorrow, and the 4 in. heels Izzy is making me wear are going to make today seem like a cake-walk. – Clary
Annnnnd now I'm picturing you in stripper heels… I may just have to fly out there to see for myself… - Seb
Lol, Anyway, I'm about to pass out. Give Jon my love. – Clary
Will do, babe, sweet dreams… - Seb
Clary groaned, ughhhh, why must he be so damn perfect?! That's it, I am totally getting laid tomorrow! she thought as she text Magnus and Izzy in their group chat.
Okay, decision made… rebound here I come, bitches! – Clary
Yesssss! - Izzy
We knew you would come to the dark side, Biscuit. – Magnus
Clary couldn't help but laugh, her friends really were the best, she thought with a smile.