Here it is, finally! The sequel to Cry Little Sister! If you haven't read the first story, do so before you read this, or it won't make any sense. I hope you all enoy the sequel, and that it lives up to the popularity of the first story.
Clary looked at herself in the mirror, her school uniform feeling foreign on her. After 2 months of staying away from school, she had decided to return, knowing full well she couldn't hide forever. Her parents kept telling her she had nothing to be ashamed of, but deep down Clary knew that the guilt she felt of giving in to her brother's sick desires would never go away. Jonathan had stolen her virginity, and seduced her into almost forgiving him for every sick act he had performed on her. She shuddered at the memory of his lips against hers, his body pressed against her and the idea that he claimed she belonged to him.
But Jace was different. He didn't turn from her in disgust at what had happened to her, but instead chose to remain by her side, helping her through her torment and providing her with love and comfort like nothing she had ever known. She felt safe with him, a feeling she had never known with Jonathan. Jace supported her decision in returning to school, promising he would be there for her every step of the way. In fact, he was driving her to school today, and Clary was waiting for him to arrive. He should be there any minute.
With a deep sigh, Clary walked out of her room. She glanced down the corridor to where Jonathan's room was, door shut tightly. The room had remained closed off ever since Jonathan had been arrested, as if closing the door would make it seem like it didn't exist, like Jonathan didn't exist. If only it were that simple. Clary turned away from the door and walked downstairs, picking up her school bag on the way. She walked into the lounge where Valentine and Jocelyn were sat in their chairs, hands clasped together tightly. She knew they were worried about her, worried that she was returning to school too early. Ever since they found out what Clary had been through, they both tried to be home as much as they could, wanting to support Clary in any way. While Clary appreciated what they were doing for her, she was feeling quite smothered. She could barely have five minutes to herself anymore without her parents, her friends or Jace checking up on her.
When she made her presence known in the room, her parents stood up and turned to face her, their expressions a mix of sympathy and worry. Clary walked over, and she was quickly embraced in their arms.
"You know you don't have to do this, Clary. Only if you're absolutely ready to go back," Jocelyn told Clary, her voice thick with unshed tears.
"I know, Mum. But I can't stay off forever, I have to go back sometime. I'm ready, I promise," Clary reassured her mother. She didn't feel completely ready to return, but she knew she couldn't keep putting it off. It was better to get it out of the way as soon as possible.
"You're so brave, Clary," Valentine murmured, kissing the top of his daughters head. In the beginning, it had been hard for Valentine and Jocelyn to comprehend exactly what Jonathan had done to Clary. They couldn't imagine that their perfect son could ever harm their daughter in such a way that scarred her for life. But they never judged or condemned Clary, and they tried their best to support her no matter what.
A knock at the door interuppted the family, and Jocelyn broke away to answer it. Valentine smiled at Clary in a reassuring manner, and Clary weakly smiled back. Jocelyn walked back into the lounge with Jace following behind. Clary smiled when she saw him and quickly walked over to him, and Jace pulled Clary into a hug, his face buried in her crimson curls.
"Are you ready?" Jace asked, his voice soft. Clary nodded against him, and then stepped away to grab her bag once again. Valentine and Jocelyn thanked Jace for helping Clary through everything, before saying goodbye to Clary, wishing her luck on her first day back. After saying her own goodbyes, she walked out the front door holding her boyfriend's hand. They walked to Jace's car and got in. The reality of the situation was beginning to kick in, and suddenly Clary felt incredibly nervous at the idea of going back to school. What would people say? Sensing her discomfort, Jace reached across to grab Clary's shaking hand.
"If you're not ready to go back, don't force yourself. I don't want you to feel frightened," Jace said, his golden eyes filled with concern. Clary smiled at him before leaning over to passionately kiss him, a gesture which Jace quickly returned. Breaking their kiss, Clary once again smiled.
"I'm ready, Jace. I have to do this," Clary replied in a low voice. Jace softly smiled at her, brushing his fingers across her cheek.
"I love you, Clary Morgenstern," He said.
"I love you, Jace Herondale," She said.