ONE HUNDREDTH ONE SHOT:
Ghost Stories
Clary POV:
I was normal at one point in my life. I was the art girl and I lived a pretty average life in the city. There was nothing particularly special about me, but that didn't matter to me. I was content with my life, and just ready to live it the best I could.
When I was 15, that's when everything changed. I was approached by a spirit, and my life changed dramatically. Of course, I kept it to myself for some time, scared that I would be institutionalized, or ridiculed. I was terrified, but it was also hard to keep it to myself.
That's when I decided to tell my parents. They were concerned at first, but when a spirit presented themselves to me, and it was my Nanna that I didn't even know came and told me to tell my dad a story of when he was young, they believed me. I didn't feel so alone anymore, and the burden was lifted.
Of course it still slightly freaked me out considering the spirits always chose the worst timing to show up and ask me something, and tonight was no different. I was startled awake when I felt someone caressing my cheek. When I shot out of bed I saw two spirits in my room.
"Can I help you?" I asked trying to wake up.
"You can." The woman said. "My name is Celine Herondale, and this is my husband Stephen." She said. "We need your help."
"It's the middle of the night, couldn't you have waiting until tomorrow?" I asked and she laughed.
"Ghosts don't run on a time schedule. We never sleep." She said and I nodded.
"What do you need from me?" I asked.
"Our son." She said. "He carries around this huge amount of guilt in regards to our deaths, and we can't stand to see him so sad anymore." Celine said. "We need you to tell him that it's not his fault."
"Did you get to tell him this before you died?" I asked.
"No." Stephen said. "We were murdered when our son was 13."
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry." I said and they nodded.
"He's 27 now, and he is the most miserable guy ever." Celine said. "He deserves to be happy, and not carrying this around with him, and we need your help with that."
"Okay. Where is he?" I asked.
"He lives in England. There is this little town called Idris, and he goes to this coffee shop, Java Jones religiously." Celine said.
"I guess I'll be on a plane as soon as I can." I said.
"Thank you." Celine said. "So much."
"This is what my abilities are for." I said. "To help." They nodded and than disappeared. No doubt going back to look over their son. I wanted to help them so bad, because I couldn't imagine carrying that guilt around with me for that long.
Jace POV:
It was another average day. Going through life since my parent's death has just been so sorrowful. Nothing made me truly happy, and the all-consuming guilt was intense. I never got a break, but I deserved that. I could have done more, and I didn't. I deserved this guilt, and as much as it caused so many sleepless nights, and unsuccessful relationships, I knew that I deserved this deep down. My parents were dead because of me, and that was something I was going to have to live with for the rest of my life.
I got home from work, and made myself dinner and sat mindlessly in front of the TV waiting for an acceptable time for a 27 year old to go to bed and start my day all over again. Trying to get that family aspect back with the Lightwood's was something I tried for years but it just wanted the same. I love Alec, Izzy and Max more than anything, but Maryse and Robert were never going to be my parents. I appreciated everything they did for me, and taking me in, but I just wanted my parents back, and it sucked that I couldn't even give them a proper goodbye.
I went to bed at like 10, and stared at the ceiling until my eyes started to burn from exhaustion. This happened every night. I tried to escape the nightmares, and the worst day of my life, but just like every night for the past 14 years, the screams, and the gunshots filled my mind as I restlessly tossed and turned for the whole night. My life was a never ending play by play of the worst night of my life, and I could never escape.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Clary POV:
It took me some time before I could find Jace. Celine and Stephen told me what he looked like, and I felt a little creepy watching him for a couple days, but I had a job to do, and I was going to deliver that message. When I finally worked up the courage I walked into the coffee shop and took a deep breath. I walked over to the table and sat down. He looked up at me with those beautiful golden eyes and smiled.
"Can I help you?" He asked.
"My name is Clary." I said. "You have no idea who I am, but I felt compelled to talk to you." I said.
"I'm Jace." He said and I smiled.
"How has your day been?" I asked and he laughed.
"It's been alright." He said. "How about yours?"
"Pretty great if I'm being honest." I said. "This is my first time in England."
"How are you enjoying it?" He asked.
"It's way better than I anticipated." I said and he smiled. For some reason it was really easy to talk to him.
"I'm glad my country is treating you well." He said and I smiled.
"Me too." I said.
"How long are you here for?" He asked.
"That all depends." I said.
"On what?" He asked.
"On how you react to what I'm about to say next." I said and he looked confused. "You're Jonathan Herondale. Your parents Celine and Stephen Herondale."
"Who are you?" He asked and I could tell he was angry.
"I told you who I am." I said. "Your parents came to me, and asked me to track you down."
"This isn't funny." He said.
"I'm not trying to be funny." I said.
"Than what are you trying to be?" He nearly yelled. "My parents have been dead for 14 years. And I can tell you, the police stopped investigating." He said.
"I'm not with the police." I said. "I can speak to those who have passed."
"Listen little girl, I'm not buying into this sixth sense bullshit." He said. "You want to mock the pain that I go through every single day? You want to bring up the worst day or my life for your own twisted fun? My life was ruined that day. And here you are making a mockery of it." He yelled and stood up. "Come near me again, I'll have you arrested." He said as he stormed out of the coffee shop. I knew people were staring but I didn't care. I needed him to know I wasn't making fun of him. But I didn't know how to do that now.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Clary POV:
I got back to the hotel and collapsed on my bed. That went how I honestly expected it would go, but that didn't mean I was ready for it. He was so angry, and he thought I was making fun of him, which wasn't it at all. He looked so hurt, and I hardly knew the guy, but I felt so incredibly sorry for drudging that day back up.
"We're so sorry." I heard and when I looked up and there was Celine and Stephen.
"I kind of expected him to explode, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt slightly." I explained and they nodded.
"We knew he might be skeptical. He's never really been a believer in much, and after we died, he kinda just gave up everything." Celine said. "It's been so hard seeing him coping the way that he has."
"Why don't you tell me about him? Maybe when I approach him again with facts about himself he might be more willing to listen." I said.
"You're going to try again?" Stephen asked.
"Of course." I said. "You two need him to know that he needs to let go of the guilt and start living. And I think he needs that just as much." I said. "I'm not giving up."
"Okay, where should be start?" Celine asked Stephen.
"How about from the beginning." He said. "Jace was a week early. He was born on January 23rd, and spent three days in the hospital." He said.
We sat there talking for hours. And I was learning so much about Jace. Some of the stories that they had about him just made me laugh my ass off so much. It was crazy, but he seemed like such an awesome person, and I caught a glimpse of that before he blew up at me. Learning about him, just made me want to help him so much more. He deserved to be happy, and let this guilt go, and I wasn't leaving England until he heard me out.
Time Jump – Three Weeks Later
Jace POV:
I was walking through the park just trying to clear my head. It was the 15th anniversary of my parents death and I was miserable. There was so much I could have done to save them, but I did nothing. I was a coward, and I let them die. When I turned around to head back Clary was standing there. And I nearly lost it.
"I thought I told you that if you came near me again I'd call the police." I said angrily.
"You were born January 23rd." She said. "You were a week early, and stayed in the hospital for 3 days. When you were 3, you were at the park and broke your arm sliding down the slide." She said and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. "Your favorite color is gold, you played lacrosse at the boarding school you went too, your mom would sing to you every night before bed, and your father would always stand in the doorframe, but you never knew why." She said. "You're terrified of ducks, because one chased you when you were 4 and you thought it wanted to eat you." She laughed. "You studied business in college because you wanted to take over your fathers business in memory of him. You had a girlfriend in college, her name was Kaelie, but you caught her cheating on you with a close friend of yours and you swore off love because of it." She said and my jaw dropped. "You spend every Sunday night with Max because you feel like he gets forgotten too often because he's so much younger." She said as she let out a breath. "And I wasn't mocking you. Your parents have been looking over you since the day they were murdered and they came to me to deliver a message." She said and I nodded. "They what you to know that it wasn't your fault. They were protecting you because that's what parents do. They protect their children at all costs. You staying in that closet saved your life and that's what they wanted." She said. "Your mom wants you to forgive yourself, and to forgive them and finally start living a life that makes you happy." She finished and I was stunned speechless.
"How did you...?" I asked.
"I told you." She said as she stepped closer. "I can communicate with those who have crossed over. Your parents came and found me because they wanted me to deliver a message to you, and I did that." She said. "I'll leave you alone now." She started walking away when I finally decided to move. I grabbed her hand and she turned around. And I couldn't explain exactly what I did when we touched, but I liked it. A lot.
"Are they...okay?" I asked and she smiled.
"They're okay." She said and I sighed. "They've been following you around, and Celine is not happy about some of your behavior." She said and I laughed.
"I figured as much." I said and she smiled.
"Can I show you something?" She asked and I nodded. She took my hands in hers and then closed her eyes. I had no idea what she was doing but soon I saw my parents. Standing beside her.
"Mom, dad?" I questioned and they smiled.
"Hi sweetheart." My mom said.
"How are you here?" I asked.
"We went and found Clary hoping that she would find you." My mom said. "We know the guilt you've been carrying around with you, and we couldn't stand to see you suffer anymore."
"This isn't your fault son." My father said. "This happened because we were protecting you. Which is how it was supposed to be."
"I could have done something. I could have fought them off, and saved one of you, or both of you. You could have survived if I wasn't such a coward." I said.
"Jonathan, you were 13 years old. You couldn't have stopped them." My mom said. "You need to know that what we did, we did because we love you and we wanted you to have a chance at life." She said. "We know you've been harboring this guilt since that day. Sweetheart, it's time to open your heart up, and start living."
"How?" I asked. "Every night I'm haunted with images, and during the day I just think about things I could have done to save you." I said.
"You're going to be living a long and lonely life if you keep doing that Jace." My dad said. "It's been 15 years son, you are allowed to smile, and laugh, and fall in love."
"And this girl right here, is a good place to start." My mom winked and I laughed.
"Are you seriously trying to set me up with her from the other side?" I asked and she smiled, and laughed. Something I never thought I'd hear again.
"I'm just saying, she has been here for nearly a month doing something for us, and for you." She said. "You screamed at her, and she was still determined to delivered our message." She explained. "She's persistent, and kind, and beautiful." She said and I looked at this girl. "Give it a shot."
"Can she hear us?" I asked.
"Nope." My dad said. "She's using everything in her to project us to someone who can't see us normally." He said and I nodded.
"I can't tell you how good it is to see you guys." I said and they smiled.
"We love you Jace." My mom said.
"I love you both too." I said. "More than you've ever know."
"We know. We can feel it." She said as her hand went over her heart. "We'll always be looking over you Jace. No matter what."
"You're the best guardian angels I could ever hope for." I said and they nodded. My mom blew me a kiss and then they were both gone. Clary collapsed and I kneeled down in front of her. I scooped her up into my arms and just decided to take her back to my place.
Clary POV:
I woke up and I was exhausted. I looked around and realized that I wasn't in my hotel, but in a very nice apartment. I stood up and nearly fell over with how dizzy I got.
"Whoa there." I heard and I turned around and there stood Jace.
"Where am I?" I asked.
"My place." He said. "You passed out cold after projecting my parents." He said and I nodded. "Which, was insanely cool, and I can't thank you enough for that."
"I know it's hard to believe." I said. "Nobody knows about it except my parents, and my best friend Simon." I explained. "I didn't want to be a freak or anything, but I felt incredibly compelled to find you and help Celine and Stephen."
"I'm so sorry that I yelled at you." He said. "I just – I have such a hard time as it is, and you bringing it up just really got to me."
"I understand." I said. "I expected some sort of outburst, but I wasn't going anywhere until you got the message."
"Thank you, so much for letting me see and talk to them again." He said.
"It was my pleasure." I said and he smiled.
"I made dinner, you hungry?" He asked.
"Starving." I said and he stood up. He reached his hand out and I took it and he lifted me off the sofa. "I didn't realize how much that was going to drain me."
"You were out cold once they left." He said and I nodded. I took a seat at the table and he gave me the food and than he sat down. "So, when did you figure out you could do what you do?" He asked and I laughed.
"When I was 15." I said. "I was in my living room writing a paper for school when my best friend, Simon, his dad came to me. He had died a couple months before, and wanted me to talk to Simon about taking care of his mom and sister for him."
"How did he react when you told him?" He asked.
"He was pretty shocked, but I did the same thing I did with you, for him." I said. "Of course I didn't know what the hell I was doing, so it was all luck that it worked, but that's how it's been ever since."
"So can you see every ghost, or just ones that present themselves to you?" He asked.
"Just ones that present themselves to me, but I can feel a spiritual presences when one is around." I said. "If I saw every ghost that followed people around, I'd probably be in a mental institution." I said and he laughed.
"So you can't see my parents right now?" He asked.
"They're around, but I can't see them." I said and he nodded.
"I'd like to make it up to you." He said.
"You don't have too Jace." I said. "I did my job."
"But I want to make it up to you." He said.
"Okay. What do you have in mind?" I asked.
"Dinner. Tomorrow night." He said and I smiled.
"I'd love too." I said and he smiled.
The rest of the dinned we talked about random things, and I couldn't deny how natural everything felt with Jace. He was so open with me, and he was so willing to talk about anything and everything, and I was the same way. When he had a question about my abilities or something I answered it honestly. Now that he knew, I didn't have to hide, and I couldn't tell you how great it felt to not have to hide. And the best part was, he seemed to just accept it. Which was also something that was really nice. He didn't think I was a freak, he was amazed by my abilities, and that was nice.
Time Jump – Three Years Later
Clary POV:
"Jace, we have to go! Max is expecting us!" I yelled from the living room ready to head to the Lightwood house.
After Jace took me out on our first date, I knew that there was no way I was going to be able to be away from him. We got along so well, and I just always wanted to be around him and grow with him. I called my parents and Simon and told them that I met someone and that on a chance I was moving to England to be closer to him. Of course they were shocked but they supported by decision, and here we are, three years later, and we live together and even have a cat. My life was perfect, and I was insanely happy
"I'm coming!" I heard Jace yell. A moment later he was walking down the steps.
"Max is so excited to see us. I don't want to make him wait." I said and Jace kissed me.
"I know." He said. "Let's go." He said and I nodded.
We got to the Lightwood's and Max was super excited to see us. I understood why Jace took the time to spend time with him every week. It wasn't that Alec and Izzy neglected him or pretended he wasn't there, they were just super busy and unfortunately that meant they had to sacrifice something, and it sucked that it was time with Max, but Jace being the incredibly kind and amazing man that he is, always took time.
"Come on, I got a new movie last week, and I've been saving it for our movie nights!" Max said and I smiled.
"What is it?" Jace asked.
"The newest Wolverine movie!" He said with so much enthusiasm in his voice.
"Sounds dope little man." Jace said and I laughed. We got settled on the couch and Max jumped right between us and pressed play. Max was practically siting on the edge of his seat watching this movie and I couldn't help but smile at him.
When the movie was over, Max was asleep. Jace grabbed him and went to put him in his room. I turned the TV off and went upstairs to wait for Jace so that we could go home. I was standing in the foyer looking at the family pictures yet again.
"Hey." I heard and when I turned around there stood Izzy.
"Hey what's up?" I asked.
"Nothing. Just getting ready for a business trip." She said.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"New York." She said. "I'm meeting with the office there." She explained.
"Cool. I love that city." I said.
"I've never been." She said.
"Let me set you up with my best friend Simon. He's pretty nerdy, but he knows New York better than anyone. He can take you on a personal tour!" I offered and she smiled.
"Sounds great!" She said and I smiled. I quick texted Simon and told him about Izzy's visit and he happily agreed to show her around.
"Alright, you're all set." I said and she laughed.
"That was quick." She said and I smiled.
"It's kind of an agreement between the two of us. If we're awake, and we see that the other one has texted, we answer. No matter what." I said and she nodded.
"You ready?" Jace asked the minute he walked into the living room.
"Of course." I said. "I'll text you details Iz." I said and she nodded and we walked out of the house.
"Details about what?" Jace asked.
"She's going to New York on business and since she's never been, I'm having Simon give her the grand tour!" I said.
"Sounds….interesting." He said and I laughed.
"Why is that?" I asked as we got into the car.
"Izzy is intense, and from what you've told me about Simon, I'm worried about his ability to function around her." He said and I laughed.
"He'll be fine." I said. "I hope anyway." I said and Jace laughed.
We got home and we got ready for bed. We were seriously like an elderly couple. We barely made it past 10:30 these days. We snuggled in bed and I rested my head on his chest. These moment right here made me incredibly glad that his parents came to me. I was also so incredibly glad that they respected our privacy. They knew I was always going to look out for Jace, so they weren't a constant presence anymore, but they showed up from time to time, and I knew it brought Jace comfort. I was nearly asleep when I heard Jace whisper.
"Marry me." He said and my eyes shot opened. I looked up at him and he smiled.
"You're serious?" I asked and he laughed.
"More serious than I've ever been," He said and I laughed.
"Of course." I said and he smiled. He reached over to the bedside table and pulled out a box. I opened it up and there sat a beautiful ring, but I knew it was old.
"This belonged to my mom." He said and that's when I felt the presence. "It's always been a tradition in the Herondale family to pass this ring down to the next generation." He explained as he slid it on my finger.
"I'm honored to wear it." I said as I pressed my lips to his. "Thank you."
"No, thank you. For agreeing." He said and I laughed. I saw his parents in the corner smiling before they left. This was going to be a good life.
Time Jump – One Year Later
Jace POV:
Today was the day that Clary and I were finally getting married, and to say I was nervous would be an understatement. I knew this was what I wanted, but marriage was scary, and I just hope that I don't screw it up too badly. There was a knock on my door, and a moment alter Alec walked in.
"Hey man, you ready?" He asked and I gave him a nervous laugh.
"As I'll ever be." I said and he clapped me on the back.
"I know you're nervous, but this is the right thing." He said. "Once you see her, those nerves will be long gone."
"I know." I said. "I'm not getting cold feet, I just – I don't know. I never thought this would happen." I admitted. "After what happened in college, I just kinda gave up, but than Clary came into my life, and things just seemed to make more sense."
"I know what you mean." He said. "So let's go out there, and get you married." He said and I laughed and we made our way out to the ceremony space. This was it.
Clary POV:
I was looking at myself in the mirror and I had to admit, I looked pretty good. I was absolutely in love with my dress, Izzy did an amazing job with my hair and make up, and I was just ready to go out there and marry Jace. There was a knock on the door, and a minute later Izzy entered.
"You ready to get married?" She asked and I smiled.
"More than ready." I said and she walked over and stood behind me to fix my veil.
"I'm so happy Jace found you." She said and I laughed.
"More like I found him." I said and she smiled.
"I'm glad you found each other, and I can't wait for you to become my sister-in-law!" She said excitedly and I smiled.
"Me either." I said. I turned around and gave her a big hug. "Let's go." We walked out to the back of the church where my dad was waiting for me."
"You ready?" He asked as I linked my arm in his.
"Yes." I said and he smiled. The music started and Izzy walked out. A moment later, it was my turn. I was a bundle of nerves, but the minute I saw him standing at the alter, waiting for me, it took everything in me not to run to him. I finally got there, gave my dad a kiss, handled my bouquet to Izzy, and joined hands with Jace.
"Ladies and gentleman, we are gathered here today to join in holy matrimony, Jonathan Herondale, and Clarissa Morgenstern." He said. "The couple has wished to keep the ceremony short, and decided to start off strong and share their own vows." He said. "Jonathan?" He asked.
"We got off on the wrong foot." He started and I couldn't help but laugh. "But you being the most stubborn woman on the planet, didn't give up." He rubbed his thumbs over his knuckles and I couldn't help but smile. "There was a time in my life that I thought I'd never be happy again." He admitted. "Nothing ever seemed to go my way, and I accepted that. But you showed up, and for the first time in years, everything felt right." He said and the tears pooled in my eyes. "I love you more than I ever thought possible Clary, and I can't wait to continue to grow in our relationship, and just see what the future has in store for us, because I know that no matter what it is, it's going to be amazing, because it'll be with you." He said and the tears spilled out of my eyes.
"Clarissa?" The priest asked.
"You sure know how to make a girl cry." I said and everyone laughed. "I took a chance, and got on a plane and came to England." I said. "Little did I know what exactly would come out of it, although I can say this, not even in my wildest dreams did I think something like this would happen." I admitted. "I've always been kinda content with my life. Nothing really exciting happened, I was just strolling through and wondering if I was ever going to find that person who made my heart skip a beat, or made every day an adventure no matter what." I said with a smile. "It wasn't until we met, and actually got off on the right foot that I realized that the adventure could start with you." I said and he gave my hands a little squeeze. "Our life together has been nothing short of amazing, and I can't wait for it to continue to be just as amazing in the future. I love you Jace, more than I could possibly put into words." I finished.
"Now Jonathan, repeat after me." He said and Alec handed Jace the ring. "I Jonathan."
"I Jonathan." Jace repeated.
"Take you Clarissa."
"Take you Clarissa." Jace said with the biggest smile on his face, he knows how much I hate my first name.
"To be my lawful wedded wife." The priest said.
"To me my lawful wedded wife." Jace said.
"To have and to hold."
"To have and to hold." Jace said as his golden eyes were locked with my green ones.
"In sickness and in health."
"In sickness and in health." Jace repeated.
"For better or worse." The priest said.
"For better or worse." Jace said.
"As long as we both shall live." The priest said.
"As long as we both shall live." Jace said as he slid the ring on my finger.
"Now Clarissa." The priest said as Izzy handed me the rings. "I, Clarissa."
"I Clarissa." I said.
"Take you Jonathan." The priest said.
"Take you Jonathan." I said.
"As my lawful wedded husband."
"As my lawful wedded husband." I repeated.
"To have and to hold."
"To have and to hold." I said.
"In sickness, and in health."
"In sickness and in health." I said as the tears threatened to fill my eyes again.
"For better or worse."
"For better or worse." I said and my voice slightly cracked.
"As long as we both shall live."
"As long as we both shall live." I finished as I slid the ring onto his finger.
"Ladies, and gentleman, may I present you Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Herondale." The priest said. "You may kiss the bride." Jace leaned forward and our lips pressed together. The kiss wasn't short, but it wasn't long either. It was simply perfect. When we broke apart, Jace rested his forehead against mine and smiled.
"Are they here?" He asked in a low whisper. I looked over to the two empty seat that we reserved for Celine and Stephen and I couldn't help but smile.
"Yea, they're here."
Authors Note:
ONE HUNDRED ONE SHOTS! I can't tell you all how amazing it feels to have written 100 of these and you still love them just as much as you did when I only had 2 written. Thank you for the constant love and support you all give me, and the inspiration and the motivation that keeps me going! I love all types of feedback, and your words truly mean the world to me!
On another note, I wasn't planning on updating until the weekend was over. I was seriously lacking motivation, and I just thought I'd give myself the weekend off, and regroup, but than WaitingForAHerondale sent me a request and I just - inspiration struck like during the California Gold Mine! Writing this was honestly so easy because the plot was so great! So thank you WaitingForAHerondale for giving me a great idea to work with, and letting me run with it! I hope that I lived up to your expectations, and that this was everything you wanted an more! :)
Again, I can't thank you enough, every single one of you who favorite, follow, request, and just always have something positive to say, even when I'm not in a very positive place! Means a lot! Let me know what you think and leave another stellar review! :)
