Eightieth One Shot:
Wisdom Teeth
Clary POV:
"I don't want to do this Clare." Jace said as we sat on the swing set in my backyard.
"It's not that scary Jace. I got mine out last year, and I was fine." I said as I looked at him and saw how worried he was.
"But you've had surgery before. I never have." Jace said.
"First, an emergency appendectomy isn't something I was really prepared for." I said and he laughed. "So I may have had experience but that didn't mean I wasn't slightly freaked out."
"I just don't like the idea of being knocked out." Jace said.
"They aren't going to punch you in the face Jace. You get anesthesia. You can barely even register anything. It knocks you out in like 3 seconds." I said.
"You aren't making me feel any better." Jace said and I reached my hand out and touched his arm, which sent through shocks through my body just like it always did.
"You will get through this. Come on, you're Jace Herondale. You're the guy who fears nothing but ducks." I said and he glared at me, which caused me to laugh.
"Will you be there with me?" Jace asked and I was slightly taken aback, but it felt nice that he wanted me there.
"Absolutely." I said and he smiled. "When is it again?"
"Wednesday morning. 9 am." Jace said and I nodded. "You can just spend the night." He said and I nodded once again. His phone went off and he checked it and sighed. "I have to get home. My mom wants me back."
"Of course." I said and he stood up.
"Later Fray." He said and then he was gone. I took a deep breath before heading inside. My mom was sitting in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea. When she heard the back door open she looked up and smiled at me.
"Where is Jace?" She asked.
"He needed to get home." I said and she nodded. "Jace asked me to go with him to get his wisdom teeth out this week. Do you mind if I go?" I asked.
"When would it be?" She asked.
"Wednesday morning. 9 am." I said.
"It's a school day Clary." My mom said.
"It's one day. I mean, Jace missed 2 days of school when I was rushed to get my appendix removed because he was scared to leave me alone. He's scared, although he won't admit that to anyone but me, and he wants me there." I explained and I saw her eyes soften.
"Okay. I'll let the school know." She said.
"Thanks mom." I said as I gave her a hug. "I'm gonna spend the night Tuesday, so that they don't have to go out of there way to get me."
"Okay, but for now, it's bed time. It's a school night." She said and I smiled.
"Goodnight mom." I said.
"Goodnight sweetie." She said and I went up to my room.
I got ready for bed but I wasn't tired. I stared at the picture of Jace and I that I had on my nightstand. We were about 13, and his family invited me to go on vacation with them. It was my first vacation, and I was so pumped. I made Jace document the whole thing, even though he was too cool for that. My crush started that summer, and it just continued to grow as we got older. Now I'm 18 years old, and in love with my best friend. It sucked, because I knew nothing was ever going to happen, but I can't control my feelings. I watched him flirt, and make out with numerous girls at school, and parties, and dances, and it killed me but I wanted him to be happy, and if that was what made him happy. Than I just kept my mouth shut, but it sucked, hard core. My eyes drifted shut and I dreamed about the life that I wanted with Jace, a life I knew I'd never get, but there was no shame in dreaming about it.
Time Jump – Wednesday Morning
Jace POV:
I woke up to the smell of coffee and I smiled to myself. I got out of bed and pulled a shirt on and headed downstairs. I heard laughing and when I turned the corner my mom and Clary were in the kitchen talking. I made my way over to the coffee pot before Clary slapped my hand away.
"Sorry buddy, no coffee." Clary said.
"Why not?" I asked.
"You aren't allowed to have food of liquid before the surgery." Clary explained.
"This sucks." I said and she laughed.
"You can eat when you get home today." Clary said.
"First off, I remember when you got out of surgery. You drank smoothies for a week before you could consume solid food. I'm a growing boy. I need my food." I said and Clary just laughed.
"I'll make you a nice smoothie when we get back, but for right now, you must starve." She said and my mom laughed.
We got in the car and made our way to the doctors office, and I really wasn't looking forward to this surgery. I knew that Clary was right, and that it wasn't going to be that bad, but that still didn't stop the nerves. When we got there my mom went to the window to sign the papers and I took a seat next to Clary.
"You're going to be okay." Clary said and I grabbed her hand. My mom came back and sat on the other side, and I just waited for my name to be called.
"Jonathan Herondale?" I heard and I looked up and saw a nurse standing there. "We're ready for you." Clary squeezed my hand and I looked at her.
"We'll be here when you're done." She said and I nodded. My mom kissed my cheek and I stood up and followed the nurse back. I sat in the chair as they got me ready. The minute I felt the anesthesia enter my body I felt like I was about to pass out. I closed my eyes and images of the gorgeous redhead in the lobby flooded my memory. She was the last thing I remembered before darkness took me over.
Time Jump – A Couple Hours Later
Clary POV:
Celine and I were waiting patiently for Jace to make it out of surgery, and it felt like forever, but when the nurse finally came out and said he was going to be waking up from the anesthesia soon, we made our way back to where he was resting. We walked in and Jace looked like an angel. He looked peaceful, and relaxed, something that Jace often isn't. we took the two seats that were there and waited.
"Are you ever going to tell Jace how you feel about him?" Celine said out of nowhere.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I said trying to act cool but she just laughed.
"Oh sweetie. You can't hide your feelings from me." She said and I sighed.
"Am I that obvious?" I asked and she smiled.
"No. But I could spot it from a million miles away." She said.
"How?" I asked.
"You are the only person on this planet who has ever been truly invested in Jace's well being. You care about him, and you don't do it for the gratification, and you don't do it so that he'll recognize you."
"Clearly." I said and she smiled.
"You just really care about him, and having that much care for a person was bound to turn into something more." She said.
"He's my best friend." I simply said. "I'd do anything for him."
"So why not tell him about your feelings?" She asked.
"Because I can't lose our friendship. I don't want to make it awkward. What we have is special, and I can't risk that." I admitted.
"What about your feelings?" She asked.
"Being in Jace's life, whether it be as a friend, or more is something that I need. So, if keeping my feelings a secret is what I need to do, than that's what I'm going to do." I said and she nodded. Jace started to stir but my phone started to ring, and I looked at Celine. "I should take this." I said and she nodded. I walked out of the room and took a deep breath before answering my phone.
Celine POV:
Clary left the room and I looked back at Jace who was looking around the room like it was foreign.
"Where am I?" He asked.
"You're in the doctors office. You just had your wisdom teeth out." I explained.
"They took my wisdom teeth? Where am I supposed to get my wisdom from now?" He asked seeming extremely concerned. I took out my phone and started recording. This was prime embarrassment material.
"Sweetheart, that's not where wisdom comes from." I said.
"Not anymore. They took it." He said and I had to try and hide my laughter.
"I guarantee you're going to get your wisdom back." I said and he nodded. He was looking around the room and I thought he was looking for Clary. "Clary should be back soon. She got a phone call she needed to take."
"Who is Clary?" He asked.
"Your best friend. Short, red hair, green eyes." I described her.
"Oh, the really pretty one. I dreamed about her while I was asleep." He said and I figured why not probe while he is nothing but honest.
"You think she's pretty?" I asked and he got this goofy grin on his face.
"Naw." He said. "She's gorgeous." He said and I couldn't help but smile. My son never ever said that about anyone before.
"Have you told her that?" I asked.
"No." He said.
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because I'm not right for her." He said.
"Why is that?" I wondered.
"She deserves someone who is worthy of everything she has to offer. I'll never be worthy of anything of her's." He explained. "She's perfect, and she deserves someone perfect. And that's not me."
"Why are you selling yourself short sweetheart?" I asked.
"I'm not. I just know that she deserves someone better than me." He said.
"And what about her? What if she doesn't feel that way?" I asked and he started shaking his head.
"I'm not going to push my feelings on her. She my bestie, and I want that to never change." He said and I was about to say something when the door opened and in walked Clary. "Ohhhh, hi pretty lady." Jace said and Clary blushed.
"Anesthesia is doing wonders for you." Clary said and he laughed. I stopped recording and put my phone away.
"Everything okay?" I asked because she looked a little down.
"Yea. Just some family stuff." She said and I nodded. Jace only told me snippets of what goes on in Clary's life. It was sad, but Clary handled it remarkably well. "How is he?"
"Very loopy." I said and she laughed. There was a knock on the door and a nurse walked in.
"He should be ready to go home soon. I just need you to sign some papers." She said and I nodded and got up leaving Clary and Jace alone.
Clary POV:
After Celine left it was just Jace and I and he had the biggest smile on his face while he looked at me.
"What?" I asked.
"Can't I just admire the view?" He said and I couldn't stop the blush.
"Always the charmer. Even while on drugs." I said and his face turned from happy to scared.
"I'm on drugs?!" He yelled. "I am so sorry Clary. You know I would never do drugs. You have to believe me." I stood up and kneeled next to him and took his hand in mine which seemed to calm him down.
"Hey, it's okay. I know that. These drugs were prescribed so you wouldn't feel anything during surgery." I reassured him.
"You mean when they stole my wisdom." He said angrily and I was confused.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"My mom told me I got my wisdom teeth taken out. They stole my wisdom." He said and I laughed.
"No, that's not what it means." I said as I brushed the hair out of his eyes. "You still have all your wisdom. I assure you." I said and he smiled. Celine walked back in and smiled at me.
"He's ready to go." She said and I nodded. I helped Jace off the cot he was laying on and he draped his arm around my shoulders and we walked out of there. I helped him in the back of the car before joining Celine in the front.
"I'd love to come and stay with Jace, but I actually need to get home." I said and Celine nodded.
"I'll drop you off." She said and I nodded. The rest of the car ride Jace was talking nonsense and Celine and I couldn't help but laugh. When Celine dropped me off I took a deep breath before walking into my house. When I closed the door I saw my dad sitting on the couch with my mom. I clenched my fists but released them immediately.
"Clarissa." He said.
"Father." I replied.
"It's good to see you again." He said.
"How was your stay in prison this time?" I asked.
"Clary." My mom chastised me.
"No, it's okay." My father said. "Prison is never fun. I'm just glad to be out on good behavior." He responded.
"You gonna bail on your parole again this time?" I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest.
"I had my reasons Clarissa." He said.
"Yea. You were seen affiliating with your old gang, and ran like the coward you are." I hissed.
"I'm not proud of my past Clarissa." He said and I let out a dry laugh.
"Really? Because that's not how I've seen it the past 18 years. You care more about your brothers, than you do about us." I said.
"That's not true." He said.
"It isn't? Than why did you used to bail for months on end? Why did you never call and tell us where you were? Why did you get Jonathan involved in that life? If it weren't for you he'd still be alive." I shouted.
"I'm not proud of that Clarissa. Losing your brother was the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. I've had a lot of time to think in prison." He said and I shook my head.
"You've been gone for the past 5 years. I don't want you in my life." I said. "And frankly, I don't know why mom still puts up with you. All you've done with disappoint us, and break her heart." I said and I looked at my mom. "Is he staying here?" I asked.
"Yes." She said. "He's still your father, and he's still my husband."
"Than I'm not staying here." I said as I grabbed my bag.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"Anywhere but here." I said. I grabbed my keys and got in my car and headed towards the Lightwood house, I knew there might be a slime chance she was home, but I was willing to take that risk. I needed to get away, and since Jace was still loopy on drugs, Izzy was the next best thing, plus it's been awhile since we've had a girls night.
I got to Izzy's and my cheeks were tear stricken. She pulled me into a hug and I sighed and cried for a minute before pulling myself together. Jace was the only one who knew the extent of my troubled family, but Izzy knew a few things, and she was always there if I needed her, and I was grateful for that. We went up to her room and I laid out o her bed.
"How was Jace's surgery?" She finally asked.
"It went well." I said. "He was really loopy afterwards." I said and she laughed. "Wait, why aren't you at school?" I asked realizing that it was only 11:30.
"I bet. I watch those videos all the time. I can't help but laugh my ass off." She said. "And I woke up with a bad headache, so my mom let me stay home." She said and I nodded. It was quiet for a moment before I spoke.
"Celine knows." I said and she looked at me. "About my feelings for Jace."
"You're shitting me?" She asked and I shook my head. "How do you know?"
"She called me out on it." I said and she laughed.
"Damn." She said and I nodded. "What did she say?"
"She asked if I was ever going to tell him." I said. "I told her that I couldn't lose Jace, and telling him was risky."
"It's risky, but what if that risk paid off?" Izzy asked and I looked at her.
"I don't want to find out, and potentially lose him forever." I said. "Plus, he doesn't even look at me like that."
"You never know Clare. He might just need a kick in the ass." She said and I laughed. "Seriously, he treats you completely different than anyone else in the world, you can't tell me he doesn't feel anything towards you."
"That could just be familial affections." I said.
"I guess we'll never know will we." She said and I sighed. Things were complicated, and only getting more complicated as the night progressed. Eventually I fell asleep and allowed images of Jace to flood my mind in hopes of keeping my father out.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Jace POV:
I woke up on the couch and my mouth hurt. There were pills and a glass of water on the coffee table. I took them and stood up and made my way into the kitchen where my mom was sitting reading a magazine.
"How are you feeling?" She asked when I walked in.
"I'm sore, but I thought it would be worse." I said and she nodded. "Where is Clary?" I asked.
"She needed to be home. Said she had some family stuff to take care of." She said and I nodded. The phone rang and my mom picked it up. "Hello?" She asked. "I'm sorry Jocelyn, but Clary isn't here." She said and that immediately caught my attention. "I dropped her off after Jace's surgery, and that was at 11." She said. "Oh, hello Valentine." My mom said and I felt my anger rise. I didn't know he was out of jail. "I really wish I could help you, but I don't know where Clary is." She said and she looked up at me and I just shook my head. "And neither does Jace." She said. "Of course. If I hear anything I'll let you know." She hung up.
"Valentine's home?" I asked.
"Yea. I thought he was supposed to be in jail for another 4 years." She said.
"He was." I said. "I can't believe he's out." I said and my mom nodded.
"Do you know where Clary is?" She asked.
"Probably with Izzy. That's the second place she'd go if she couldn't come here." I said and my mom nodded.
"Maybe you should give her a call. Make sure she's okay." My mom said and I nodded.
"I will." I said. I made my way back to the living room and picked my phone up and dialed Clary.
"Hello?" She answered and she sounded drained.
"Hey Clare." I said.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" She asked sounding more alert.
"I think I should be asking you that. Your mom called." I said and I heard her sigh. "Your dads out."
"Yea. I got home and he was in my living room." She said.
"How is he out?" I asked.
"Good behavior apparently." She said. "He tried to apologize."
"How did that go?" I asked.
"How do you think?" She said and I laughed. "He's staying there, and I didn't want to be under the same roof, so I left and went to Izzy."
"Does she know?" I asked.
"I just told her I got into a fight with my mom." She said. "I don't want to advertise that my father, a convicted felon is out on parole for good behavior. Not the best news someone could hear."
"I'm really sorry Clare." I said.
"Nothing I can really do about it." She said. I heard some yelling in the background and Clary groaned. "Just pick something Izzy. You know I'm not picky when it comes to ice cream!" She called back and I laughed.
"What are you ladies up to tonight?" I asked.
"Movies, and junk food." She said.
"Sounds fun." I said.
"We'll see. I'm sorry I wasn't there to make you a smoothie." She said and I smiled.
"No worries. You'll just have to make me one another time." I said.
"Deal." She said. "Izzy is calling me downstairs. We'll talk later?" She asked.
"Of course." I said.
"Bye Jace." She said.
"Bye Clare." I said and we hung up. I put my phone down on the coffee table and put my head in my hands.
"When are you going to admit you like her?" I heard form behind me and there stood my mom.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"Clary. When are you going to admit your feelings for her?" She asked.
"She has too much going on right now mom." I said. "It wouldn't be the right time, and I don't even know if she feels the same way."
"You two are so blind." She said as she took a seat next to me. "She said the same thing about you."
"She did?" I asked.
"Yea. I asked her while you were in surgery today." She said.
"Wow. Are you trying to be cupid right now?" I asked and she laughed.
"I'm trying to give you both some happiness that you rightfully deserve." She said.
"Mom." I said.
"I know you're unhappy Jace. And I don't blame you. It's been a tough year." She said and I sighed. "After your father left us, I thought we were doomed. But we're doing so great." She said and I smiled. "I know you wish he stuck around, and I wish he did too, but in the end he couldn't give us his all, and you know what, that's his problem. Not ours." She said. "Clary is the only person who truly makes you happy. Don't punish yourself by keeping those feelings to yourself."
"I'll think about it." I said.
"Well, maybe you need a kick in the ass." She said as she pulled her phone out and started texting.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"There is something you should see." She said and my phone went off. "Watch that, and than tell me that she doesn't make you truly happy." She said. She kissed my temple before leaving.
I watched the video and I couldn't help but smile at how I was talking about Clary. But I agreed with myself. Everything I said while loopy was exactly how I felt now, and I wasn't ashamed of it, but that didn't mean telling Clary was a good idea. Especially with everything she's dealing with right now. She needed some time to get over this bump, and than I could confront her.
Time Jump – Four Months Later
Clary POV:
My father was still at home, and I tried to avoid him as much as possible. He's told me he's changed, but I don't believe him. Once a criminal, always a criminal. I was woken up from my sleep to a huge bang. I looked at my clock and it was nearly 4 in the morning. I got out of bed and made my way downstairs to see my dad stumbling around knocking shit over.
"You're kidding me right?" I said and he turned around. "Isn't staying sober a part of you parole?"
"I won't tell if you won't." He slurred and I rolled my eyes.
"I'm gonna tell, and send your ass right back to prison." I said as I walked over to the house phone, but before I got there Valentine grabbed. "Ouch, let me go."
"Not until you promise not to tell me. I can't go back to prison." He said.
"Why? Piss too many people off?" I asked and his grip tightened.
"Don't talk back to me little girl. I'm still your father." He hissed at me.
"First off, my name is not little girl. Second, you've been in and out of prison my whole life. And when you weren't in prison, you were flaking on us left and right. You're barely a dad." I said and his hand slapped me across the face and I fell to the ground. I put my hand to my face and my lip was bleeding.
"You will show me respect." He yelled.
"To get respect you have to give it, and hitting your daughter doesn't earn you respect." I said as I stood up. He walked over and grabbed me by the neck and forced me up against the wall.
"I can do whatever I want to you. You're my daughter." He said as out faces were touching.
"Get your hands off me Valentine." I said as I felt his hand grip me tighter.
"What are you going to do about it?" He said with so much pride in his voice. Before I could respond his body went limp and I saw my mom standing behind him with a frying pan.
"I'm an idiot." She said and I stood there catching my breath.
"You think?" I said.
"He's not staying here." She said. "This was the last straw."
"You can call his parole officer, and I'm going to get out of here." I said.
"The police will need your statement." She said as I grabbed my keys.
"Tell them to meet me at the Herondales. I'm not staying in the same house as him, even while he's unconscious." I said and I left. When I got in my car I let the tears flow. I can't believe she let it get this bad.
Jace POV:
I was woken up when I heard a lot of movements downstairs. I looked at my clock and it was nearly 5 in the morning, and my mom shouldn't be up at this hour. I got a shirt and pulled it over my head as I headed downstairs. The light was on in the kitchen and when I walked in I saw Clary sitting at the counter.
"What are you doing here?" I asked and she turned around and her lip was bleeding and her neck was bruised. "What the hell happened to you?"
"Valentine." She said and I walked over and pulled her into me and she melted into me instantly.
"What happened?" I asked.
"He came home about an hour ago wasted. It's against his parole to get drunk, so I told him I was going to call his parole officer and get him sent back to prison where he belonged." She said. "He did not like that."
"So he hit you?" I asked.
"Yea, and then choked me. My mom hit him in the head with a frying pan and he was out cold. I didn't stick around for the police to come. I couldn't stay there." She said and I nodded. "So, if they come by, they are looking for me."
"Of course. Do you need anything else from me?" My mom asked Clary.
"No thank you." Clary said. "I'm okay."
"You're hardly okay Clary. That man put his hands on you." I said.
"He could have done worse." She simply said.
"He could have done nothing like a decent human being." I said.
"In all the years that you've known me, when has my father ever been decent?" She asked. "I mean, you've only met him once in the 13 years we've been friends because he's either in prison or running from the cops." She said. "Decency isn't in his nature."
"Still." I said.
"I'm going to head back to bed." My mom said. "I have work tomorrow, but you're more than welcome to stay here Clary, and Jace you don't have to go to school tomorrow." She said and I nodded.
"Thank you Celine." Clary said. My mom walked over and kissed her on the forehead and kissed me on the cheek and whispered.
"Take care of her." She said and I nodded before he left the kitchen.
"Tell me what I can do, and it's yours." I said and she smiled.
"I just want to go to sleep honestly." She said and I nodded. I reached my hand out and she took it. She hopped off the bar stool and we made our way up to my room. When we got in, she immediately snuggled into the comforter. I smiled and joined her, and I just couldn't resist, I pulled her into me and she melted right into my side and everything in that moment seemed perfect.
Time Jump – Next Morning
Clary POV:
The door of Jace's room opened and I opened my eyes to see Celine standing there. I sat up and rubbed my eyes and she smiled.
"There are a few officers downstairs. They are here to take your statement." She said. I yawned and nodded.
"Thanks." I said and she smiled.
"I have to go to work, but if you need anything just give me a call." She said.
"Thanks Celine." I said.
"No problem sweetie." She said as she closed the door. I looked back at Jace and he was still sleeping. Normally I wouldn't wake him up but I didn't want to go through this alone. I started rubbing his back until he started to stir.
"What's up?" He asked in a super groggy voice.
"Your mom told me there were some police officers here for my statement. I didn't want to do it alone." I said and he sat up.
"Okay." He said. "Let's go." He said as he reached his hand out. I grabbed it and we made our way downstairs.
"Miss. Fray, thank you for speaking with us." The one officer said and I nodded before taking a seat on the couch opposite of them with Jace right by my side holding my hand. "We'd like to ask you a few questions about your father."
"Okay." I said.
"Is this the first time he's ever gotten physical with you?" The one officer asked.
"This is the first time he's ever laid a hand on me. But he has thrown things at me before." I said.
"What types of things?" The officer asked.
"Anything within grabbing distance. Books, vases, remotes, stuff like that." I said.
"Has he ever been physical with your mom?" The officer asked.
"Yes, but she always denied it." I said.
"What do you mean?" The officer asked.
"I would find bruises on her all the time, and when I asked about them she scrambled to find an excuse." I explained. "Every time there was a new bruise he was already gone."
"Your father does have a history of disappearing." The one officer pointed out. "Has he been staying with you since his release?"
"Yes." I said.
"And was this the first time he's come home intoxicated?" The officer asked.
"I'm not sure. This is the only time I've caught him." I said.
"Do you mind if we take pictures of your injuries?" The officer asked. I shook my head and stood up. They took a picture of my lip, and my neck.
"I think I have a few more on my back from when he slammed me against the wall." I said and they nodded.
"Would you mind removing your shirt?" The officer asked. I shook my head and took my shirt off and turned around where I heard a gasp.
"Is it bad?" I asked.
"This looks painful. Can you feel it?" The officer asked.
"A little." I said. Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to the pain much. I was just trying to forget. After a few moments they were done.
"You can put your shirt back on." He said and Jace handed me the shirt and I got redressed. "We'll be in touch if we need anything more from you."
"Thank you." I said and Jace showed them out while I sat on the couch. When Jace came back he sat on the coffee table in front of me.
"What do you need right now?" He asked.
"I have no idea." I said honestly.
"Seriously, anything you want Clare, and it's yours." He said and I thought about it, and I just needed him.
"You." I said honestly. "All I need is you right now." I said and he smiled.
"You got it." He said as he sat next to me and pulled me into his side. I melted into him right away and closed my eyes. The last 24 hours have been a nightmare and I just wanted Valentine out of my life for good.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Jace POV:
Clary was asleep on the couch and my mom was in the kitchen making dinner. I took a seat on the bar stool and sighed.
"What's wrong hun?" My mom asked.
"I can't do anything for her." I admitted. "I feel helpless."
"Sucks being in love doesn't it?" She said and I glared at her. "What? Love isn't all rainbows and butterflies. You have to deal with their family problems just as much as they do."
"You aren't helping mom." I said and she walked over to me.
"And you aren't helping by keeping your feelings from Clary." She said. "I get you don't want to complicate her life any more than it already is, but what if just admitting your feelings to her uncomplicates one part of her life? Isn't that worth it?" She asked.
"I don't know okay? She needs me. I don't want to throw something else at her." I said honestly.
"Okay. I'll drop it. For now." She said and I smiled. There was a knock at the door and I went to answer it and when I opened the door there stood Jocelyn.
"Is Clary here?" She asked. "I've been calling but she hasn't picked up." She said.
"She's asleep." I said and she nodded. "Would you like to come in and wait? My mom is almost done with dinner, and she'll be awake." I said and she nodded and walked in. She went into the kitchen. My mom turned around and smiled.
"It's good to see you Jocelyn." She said as she gave her a hug.
"Thank you for taking in my little girl." Jocelyn said and I could hear the strain in her voice.
"Clary is like another child to me. I'd do anything for her." My mom said. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Coffee would be great." She said and I smiled. Clary got her addiction to coffee from Jocelyn and it was always the first thing Clary got when she came over.
"Jace, can you go wake Clary up. Dinner will be ready soon." My mom said and I nodded. I walked into the living room and started rubbing Clary's back. She woke up slowly but she was incredibly beautiful when she was just woken up.
"Hey, dinner is ready." I said and she nodded. "Oh, and your mom is here." I said and her eyes widened slightly.
"Okay." She said as she sat up. I pulled her off the couch and she walked into the kitchen where our moms were. "Mom." She said and Jocelyn turned around.
"Baby, I am so sorry." She said. "I was so stupid thinking he was going to change."
"You were. I told you when I was 12 that he was never going to turn his life around, but you kept insisting that he would." Clary said. "It took him hitting me for you to finally open your eyes."
"If I could take it back I would Clary." Jocelyn said.
"I don't think you would mom." Clary said. "You still want to see the man you married. You want to see that guy who brought you flowers, and lavished you in stolen gifts. You want the dangerous guy who kept you on edge." Clary said. "Well congratulations mom. You got him."
"He isn't coming back Clary." She said with tear filled eyes. "He's gone."
"I don't believe you." Clary said. "You will always take him back because you believe he will change. I gave up on him a long time ago. You should start doing the same."
"I have." Jocelyn said.
"Oh really? Than why did it take you so long to come here? Why did it take you so long to check up on me?" Clary asked.
"I…." Jocelyn said.
"You were at the police station with him weren't you? You were by his side the whole time." Clary said and Jocelyn hung her head.
"He's my husband Clary." She said.
"And I'm your daughter." Clary said. "I'm your blood. Not him."
"It's not that simple Clary." Jocelyn said.
"It never is with you two. You will always be attracted to his dangerous side, and he'll always take advantage of your kindness." Clary said. "And I don't want to be apart of that anymore. I'm tired of the uncertainty that he brings into our lives. You might be able to live like that, but I can't."
"Please Clary." Jocelyn pleaded.
"Maybe one day I can forgive you mom. But I can't right now. The reason we're in this situation right now is because you refused to see the bad in him even when I pointed it out." Clary said.
"I understand." Jocelyn said as she stood up. "I just came to see if you were okay."
"I appreciate that mom." Clary said. Jocelyn nodded and looked at my mom.
"Thank you for the coffee, but I think I'm going to head home." Jocelyn said.
"Okay." My mom said.
"I'll see you later." She said to Clary before leaving. It was quiet until we heard the car pull out of the driveway.
"You can stay here as long as you want sweetie." My mom finally said.
"Thank you Celine." Clary said.
"Dinner is on the stove. Help yourselves." She said and I nodded.
"You hungry?" I asked Clary.
"A little." She said. I grabbed a plate but didn't put much on it. Clary was the type of person who needed to finish everything on her plate, and if she wasn't very hungry, I wasn't going to fill her plate up with a lot of food. She sat at the table and I put the plate down in front of her. "Thank you."
"Drink?" I asked.
"Coffee." She said and I smiled. I grabbed a mug and poured her a cup of black coffee and handed it to her. I went over to grab myself a plate when my mom came up next to me.
"Tell her sweetheart." My mom said and I looked at her. "It will be beneficial for both of you." I simply nodded and finished getting my food before joining Clary at the table. I was going to tell Clary tonight. I had made up my mind.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Clary POV:
It was late, and Jace and I were on the couch watching TV. I wasn't really paying attention to it. My mind was on a different planet these days, and nothing seemed to distract me enough.
"Clary." I heard and I looked over at Jace.
"Mmm?" I said.
"We need to talk." Jace said and he sounded nervous.
"What's up?" I asked and he muted the TV, and I sat up so that we were facing each other.
"I've been holding this in for so long, and I wasn't sure if I should tell you, but I just can't keep it to myself anymore." He said.
"What are you talking about Jace?" I asked confused.
"I like you Clary. I really really like you." He said and my jaw dropped. "I have for a long time but I never wanted to ruin our friendship, and after everything that's happened, I just can't keep it to myself anymore. You deserve to know what it feels like to be loved, and I want to be the one to give you that."
"Love?" I asked because I wasn't expecting that and by the look on his face, he didn't mean to admit it.
"Yes Clary. I love you. I've loved you for years, and I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you." He said and after the shock wore off I smiled.
"I love you too." I finally said and his eyes widened.
"You do?" He asked.
"I've loved you for so long, but just like you I didn't want to ruin our friendship." I admitted.
"My mom has been trying to get me to tell you for months, but everything just wasn't the right time." He said and I nodded.
"Your mom's been busy because she confronted me about my feelings for you as well." I said and he laughed.
"Yea well, I don't think she knew about mine until I got my wisdom teeth out." He said.
"How is that?" I asked. He pulled out his cellphone and handed it to me. A video was up and I clicked play. Watching the video I couldn't believe what he was saying about me. Once it was over I looked at him.
"I may have been under the influence while saying all of that, but I completely agree being 100% sober right now. Everything I said was how I've been feeling for so long, but too scared to admit." He said and I smiled.
"Better late than never right?" I said and he laughed. His eyes flickered down to my lips and I leaned over and pressed mine to his, and man hid my body awaken. I had pictured kissing him for so long, and this completely exceeded my expectations. When I pulled away he had the biggest grin on his face.
"Wow." He said and I laughed.
"My thoughts exactly." I said and we just looked into each others eyes.
"Told ya." We heard and when we turned around Celine was standing in the doorway and my cheeks instantly burned. "A mother is never wrong. You should have listened to me months ago." She said and I laughed.
"Could have taken us longer." I said and she laughed.
"You two should have been dating since like 7th grade." She said and Jace laughed. "But I guess it is better late than never. I'm going to go take a relaxing bath." She said. "You are still more than welcome to stay here sweetie, but I'd really like to make it to my 60's at least before I'm a grandma." She said and my jaw dropped.
"Mother!" Jace said and she laughed.
"I'm just saying. Keep it safe." She said and she left the room.
"Man, she's blunt." Jace said and I laughed.
"We already knew that." I said and he smiled.
"So Clary, how would you like to be my girlfriend?" He asked and I smiled.
"I'd love too." I said and he leaned forward and kissed me. Despite everything going on in my life, this was a huge bright spot, and I was thankful for that.
Time Jump – End Of College
Clary POV:
College was different than I expected. Jace and I didn't go to the same place, which made things hard on our relationship. He was so busy with his schoolwork, plus balancing being an athlete, and I was so focused on my schoolwork that we'd go days, if not a couple weeks without talking, and it really strained us. We though when summer rolled around things would get easier again, and they did but they got worse when summer ended, and we called it quits. We just weren't working, and we both thought it would be beneficial for both of us, emotionally and academically if we just took a break.
A lot of people find clarity when they focus on themselves and their future, and at first I thought maybe I'd get that as well. Boy was I wrong. I was completely miserable. Because even though Jace and I weren't talking, I still knew he was mine, and that I was his. My friends at school tried to help me move on, but the thing was I didn't want to move on. I wanted Jace. I wanted his support, and his love, and his encouragement. I wanted my best friend, and the love of my life back. I still remember coming home the summer leading into my junior year and seeing him for the first time.
Flashback:
I fought again for the 18th time with my mother. She visited my father weekly and I just couldn't believe she was still involved with him. But it wasn't entirely my fathers fault. She was so invested and dependent on him that she couldn't leave, and I realized that was never going to change, and that bringing it up was going to do nothing but cause arguments.
I was walking around at like midnight just trying to cool off when I found myself standing in front of a familiar house. I looked up at saw that Jace's light was still on. I took a deep breath and made my way up to the house. I knocked and a moment later Celine answered.
"Oh my god. It's so good to see you." She said as she pulled me into a hug.
"It's good to see you too Celine." I said and we pulled apart. "Is Jace here?"
"Yea. Jace! You have a visitor!" Celine yelled and she seemed to chipper to be awake at this hour but she was a night owl. I heard the footsteps and than there was Jace, in his gorgeous glory.
"Clary." He said.
"Hey, I was wondering if we could talk." I said and he nodded. He walked out and we started walking. We didn't know where we were going, but that didn't matter.
"How are you?" He asked after a few moments.
"I've been better. You?" I asked.
"Hanging in there." He said. "How's everything at home?" He asked.
"A nightmare." I said. "She's so dependent on him. Like without his love she can't breath." I said. "She visits him every week. She bakes cookies, and writes him letters. I just, I can't imagine what she still sees in him."
"I'm sorry Clare." He said.
"The worst part is, I can't even blame is entirely on my father." I said. "She chose to stay by his side even when she had plenty of opportunities to leave."
"Doesn't make it suck any less." He said and I nodded.
"How did your sophomore year go?" I asked after a moment of silence.
"It was tough, but I got through." He said and I nodded. "What about you?"
"It was insane honestly." I said. "Especially studying abroad last semester."
"Oh yea, how was that?" He asked.
"I could live in Ireland. I really could." I said and he laughed. How I've missed that laugh.
"I'm glad you had a good time." He said. "I bet it's going to be weird going back to a normal semester."
"Definitely. I left a piece of my heart in Ireland. That's for sure." I said.
"With someone?" He asked hesitantly.
"Nope. Just with the land, and culture, and the history." I explained and he nodded. "Are you seeing anyone?" I asked.
"Nope. Took the year to focus on myself." He said and I nodded. I tried not to jump for joy.
"That's good." I said because I didn't know what to say to that honestly. We found ourselves at the old pond that we used to ice skate on when we were kids. There was a gazebo, and we went in and I leaned on the railings. "Things were so much simpler when we were younger."
"It couldn't last forever." Jace said and I nodded.
"Doesn't mean I don't wish I could go back and relive it." I said. "Not worrying about my dad because I was too young to know what was going on. Seeing the good in my mom instead of the dependent person she truly is." I said with a humorless laugh. "When we were best friends."
"Clary." Jace said but I turned to face him and he saw my tears.
"I miss you Jace." I finally said as my voice cracked. "It hurt so much that I couldn't come to you when I needed you this past year."
"You can always come to me Clary." Jace said.
"I felt like I couldn't. I was no long just your best friend, but I was your ex." I said. "It didn't feel like I had that right."
"Listen to me Clary, I don't care what happens between us. We could have ended things with guns blazing, and I still would answer every call, and text, and be there for you no matter what." He said.
"I almost called you so many times." I admitted. "When I got called to testify, I wanted to call and cry to you so many nights. I wanted you to hold me and tell me everything was going to be alright. I just needed my best friend and I didn't have you anymore." I said and he pulled me into him, and damn did I miss his arms.
"You will always be one of the most important people in my life. Doesn't matter what happens between us. You Clarissa Fray are my best friend. Never doubt that." He said and I nodded against his chest. After some time I pulled away and looked at him.
"I never did thank you for coming to the trial." I said.
"I wasn't missing it for the world." He said and I nodded. "Can I be honest with you?" He said and I nodded. "Agreeing to end things was the stupidest thing we've ever done." He said and I laughed. "And that's saying something considering the stupid shit we used to get ourselves into." He said and I smiled. "Do you agree?" He asked.
"This past year has been miserable." I said and he smiled. "I'd much rather be with you, and fight every now and than, then be apart and not even talk."
"I can't live without you Clary." He said. "And I don't want too. I want you by my side forever. And not just as my best friend." He said and tears filled my eyes but this time the good ones.
"This sounds an awful lot like a proposal." I said and he laughed.
"Not yet, but eventually." He said as he pulled me closer to him. "What do you say Clarissa Fray, let's forget this whole year apart, and continue this amazing relationship." He said and I laughed.
"Nothing would make me happier." I said and than he kissed me. I forgot how much I missed his lips on mine, and I knew that I was never letting this go ever again.
End Of Flashback
We've been together since, and we have our fair share of fights, but we'd rather fight, than call it quits. We were meant for each other, and we knew that. Things weren't always going to be perfect, but they didn't need to be. We had each other, and that's what made everything worth it.
I was sitting on the couch when Jace got home and he immediately joined me. He put his arm around me and I leaned into him instinctually. I kissed the top of my head and I closed my eyes and smiled.
"My mom is expecting us at 7 for dinner." Jace said.
"Why so late?" I complained and Jace laughed.
"Her new boyfriend works until 6:30." Jace said.
"I can't wait to meet him." I said and Jace groaned. "What?"
"It's weird that my mom is dating." He said and I laughed.
"Is she happy?" I asked.
"She sounds super happy." He said and I smiled.
"That's all that matters. And if he's s douche, we can take care of him." I said and he pressed his lips to mine.
"Come on, it'll take us at least 25 minutes to get there, and I don't want to get stuck in traffic." Jace said as he pulled me off the couch.
When we got to Celine's house, we walked in and everything smelled amazing. She was in the kitchen whistling to whatever song was on the radio. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time and it was amazing to see her just letting loose.
"Mom." Jace said and she turned around and smiled.
"I'm so glad you two are here." She said as she hugged us both.
"Of course." I said. "We wouldn't miss this for the world." I said and she smiled.
"He should be here soon. Jace would you mind setting the table?" Celine asked and he shook his head and grabbed the plates. "How do you think Jace will react?" Celine asked when he was gone.
"He's skeptical, but you're happy, and that makes him happy." I said and she smiled. The doorbell rang and Celine got the biggest smile on her face. She went to answer it and I went to Jace and grabbed his face. "Be nice." I said and he laughed and kissed my nose.
"Kids, this is Luke." She said as she gestured to the man next to her. "Luke, this is my son Jace and his girlfriend Clary."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Luke." I said and he smiled.
"You as well. Celine talks about you two often." He said and I smiled.
"Hope she hasn't damaged our characters too badly for you." I said and he laughed.
"On the contrary. You two sounded like pretty entertaining kids." He said.
"They were a handful, but they were always good for getting a laugh out of." Celine said. "Why don't we take a seat at the table?" Celine said and we all made our way into the table. Jace had yet to speak, but I knew it was being he was trying to get a feeling for Luke. After our plates were full Luke spoke again.
"So, Celine says you two have known each other for quite some time." He said and I nodded. "How did your friendship grow into something more?" He asked and I looked at Jace who was smiling at me.
"Oh, you should ask cupid herself." Jace said as he pointed to his mother. "She was actually a huge contributing factor."
"Oh really?" Luke asked.
"I may have given them a little push, but Jace kick started me." Celine said. "He got his wisdom teeth out his senior year of high school." Celine explained. "And he spilled his guts about his feelings for Clary, and I could spot Clary's feelings from a mile away." Celine said and I blushed as Jace rested his hand on my thigh and smiled at me. "They were both finding any reason to not tell each other, so someone needed to help them along."
"She never was good at minding her own business." Jace said and Luke and Celine laughed.
"And look at you two now." Celine said. She gestured to us and I couldn't help but smile. The rest of dinner went by smoothly. Jace seemed to really warm up to Luke by the end. They were laughing and joking and I could tell Celine was happy about it.
By the time we left, I was over the moon happy that Jace approved of Luke, and that they actually got along. When Jace and I settled into bed that night, I was curled into his side, and he was racing circles into my lower back.
"You know, if I never got my wisdom teeth out, I don't think I would have confessed my feelings to my mom." Jace said after a long silence.
"So you're glad you got the surgery?" I asked.
"In some ways, not in others though." He said.
"What ways aren't you glad you got it?" I asked curiously.
"I though they stole my wisdom. How embarrassing is that?" He said and I laughed.
"It was pretty funny." I said. "You were so angry and upset with them."
"I thought I was going to be stupid." He said. "And you wouldn't be with a stupid guy."
"You are one of the brightest men I know." I said as I kissed his cheek.
"Well, you are the wisest decision I've ever made, so…" He said and I smiled.
"I love you." I said.
"I love you too." He said and he pressed his lips to mine. And to think, our whole relationship started off with Jace getting his wisdom teeth out. I've never been so thankful for a surgery in my whole entire life.
Authors Note:
This one shot was requested by WaitingForAHerondale, and they requested one about wisdom teeth, and I knew that I wouldn't be able to write a decent one shot, with just that idea, so I took it in my own direction but still making the wisdom teeth surgery a focal point, and major turning event in their lives, and I hope that you are happy with what I did! Please let me know what you think and leave a review! I also realize that I've been kinda slacking on my other stories, but my creative juices are simply oozing for these one shots, and just not for those stories, but I haven't given up! I assure you that! So be patient and enjoy this next installment. We've reached 80 one shots, and thats absolutely bonkers! Seems like just yesterday I started these, and I can't believe how many I've written, but I just want to thank you all for continuing to read, even when they aren't even that good! You all rock! :)
