One Hundred and Twenty One Shot:

Trafficked

Jace POV:

When people move, they are generally trying to move away from something. I mean, that's what my experience with moving has been like. So when my parents told me we were moving when I was 13, I didn't think anything of it. It was just going to be another town, another school, new friends, and that was that. What I didn't expect was to move into a town that had a dark past that haunted them on a daily basis.

Now, every town has their issues. The creepy stalker at the end of the street, the crazy cat lady that barely leaves her house, the town bullies, the town suck ups, the genius, the stoners, the all American football star, and the people who stay in that town from birth until death. Every town has the same model, but when my family and I moved to Alicante, I didn't realize how different this town actually was.

I still remember the day I met my best friend. I met Jon when I joined the football team once I moved here. We made an instant connection, and we've been best friends ever since. I had no idea he was living with a secret and the guilt until one day I saw him crying, and it was truly a day I will never be able to forget.

Flashback:

I was walking home from a friends house when I noticed someone sitting on the bench in the park. Now, it wouldn't be weird if it wasn't near dinnertime, and the streetlights were all about to come one. It's not like this town had a set curfew, but it was an unwritten rule that everyone followed. Curious, I walked over to the person on the bench, and as I got closer, I noticed it was Jon, and I noticed that he was crying. I took a seat next to him but didn't talk because I was leaving that up to him. I don't know how long I sat there until he finally spoke.

"Sorry you had to see me like this." He said.

"It's okay." I said back. It must have been something serious if Jon was crying. "What's going on?" I asked.

"It's my little sisters birthday." He said and it caught me off guard.

"You have a sister?" I asked curiously. I've never seen her around.

"I'm sure you've noticed the elephant in the town." He said. "There are certain times where everything gets eerily haunting, or people are just way too quiet." He said and I nodded. I did notice, but nobody ever said anything. "My sister was 12 years old when she was kidnapped."

"When did it happen?" I asked.

"It'll be a year in November." He said. "She would be 13 today."

"You two must have been close, since you're only a year apart in age." I said and he nodded.

"I would have done anything for her, but the one thing she needed from me, I couldn't do. I couldn't protect her." He said, and I could just hear him beating himself up about it.

"Do they have any leads?" I asked. I've watched enough crime TV to know some lingo.

"They normally say that after the first 48 hours, the chances of her survival are basically nonexistent." He said. "The case turned cold 6 months after she disappeared."

"I'm so sorry Jon." I said honestly. I couldn't imagine what he was going through.

"It's hard. I pass her room every morning expecting her to walk out and greet me, or yell at me if I'm in the bathroom for too long." He said with a sad laugh.

"Why haven't you moved?" I asked curiously.

"My parents want to stay put in case she comes home." He said, but his voice was empty. He didn't believe she was coming home, I could hear that from a mile away.

"And you? What do you think?" I asked.

"I don't know what to think." He said. "All I know is my sister was kidnapped and she may or may not be dead."

I didn't want to continue the conversation because I could see how hurt he was just by talking about it. I just sat there with him until he decided to go home. When I got home my parents were slightly freaked out that I got home so late, but after I explained why I was late, they looked devastated. Nobody talked about the kidnapping of Jon's sister in this town, and I understood why. It didn't matter if we didn't even know her, her absence was felt everywhere in this town, that much was clear.

End of Flashback

That was 4 years ago, and it's still just as haunting. Jon's family has been falling apart since it happened, and it's evident when you look at them. Jocelyn and Valentine are barely holding it together when they are behind closed doors, and Jon tries everything possible to keep his mind busy. It's almost like they are a ghost of a family once they aren't in the public eye anymore, and if you didn't know why, you wouldn't be able to pick up on it, but once you knew, there were signs everywhere.

It was Jon and I's senior year of high school, and we were just planning on living it up. Playing football, going to school functions, just being teenagers before college started kicking our asses. Plus, keeping Jon busy was the best way to keep him from slipping into that dark place, and I knew that's what he needed, especially during trigger times of the year.

"So, you have any idea about college?" Jon asked on our way into school.

"Yea, I'm just going to community college for the first two years. I have no idea what I want to do, so I might has well just get all the GenEd's out of the way before figuring it out." I explained.

"I was thinking the same thing." He said. "I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do, but I might has well spend less money getting all the pointless classes out of the way first." He explained and I nodded in agreement. People always dissed community college, but I thought it was the best path when you weren't sure about your future.

We got to school and headed towards our separate classes. It was until lunch when I saw Jon again, but this time he looked unnerved. Something happened between this morning, and now that freaked him out, but it wasn't like he was scared or anything, just super frigidity and uneasy.

"Jon?" I questioned and he looked at me. "What's going on man?"

"I got called down to the office 3rd period." He said and I nodded. "It was the police. They found her."

"Holy shit." I said and he nodded in agreement. "After 5 years they actually found her?"

"Yea. They didn't give me much detail, but they said she was being returned home." He said and I nodded.

"So what the hell are you still doing here?" I asked and he laughed.

"Honestly, the news kinda punched me right in the gut and I haven't been able to focus on anything. My baby sister is still alive, and she's coming home." He said and I could just hear the happiness in his voice.

"What do you need from me?" I asked.

"Can you take me home?" He said and I nodded.

"Dude, of course." I said and we made our way out to the parking lot. Thankfully we decided to carpool today, so we weren't leaving a car here. I got to his house and his parents were pacing outside of his house.

"Mom, dad." Jon said when he got out and they both ran over to him and wrapped him in a hug. I was going to give them the space and stuff that they needed, so I started walking away. "Jace." Jon called and I turned around.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Can you stay?" He asked. "You've been there for me through all the low points, and I'd really like you here." He said, and I had to admit, I felt pretty honored that he wanted me here when his little sister got home.

"Of course man." I said and he smiled. We all made our way into the house, and I offered to cook some lunch up. It was the least I could do for them since they were all a bunch of nervous balls of energy.

It wasn't even 30 minutes into cooking when the doorbell rang. I could hear the footsteps running towards the door, but I just stayed in the kitchen. I wanted them to have a family reunion, and even though Jon asked me to stay, I wasn't going to intrude on that. So once I heard the door close, I decided to make my presence known. I walked out and there stood a mini version of Jocelyn. It was eerily haunting how similar they were, but I could also see the emptiness in her eyes. That girl had gone through some shit while being kidnapped, and I couldn't imagine how hard it must be being back.

"Jace here is a family friend." Jocelyn said, probably realizing that she had no idea who I was. "Jon and him became best friends when they were 14." She further explained.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." I said. "I'm Jace, like your mom said."

"Clary." She said, and I nodded. Her parents looks surprised, and it clicked that those were probably her first words since being back. "Can I go to my room?" She asked.

"Jace made lunch." Jon said. "If you're up for eating." He added.

"I just really want to be alone." Clary said, and I could see how that kinda hurt all of their feelings.

"Of course sweetie. We'll be here if you need anything." Jocelyn said. Clary moved past me and went up the stairs. After we heard her door close I looked back at the family.

"Lunch is ready if you're hungry." I said.

"I don't think I can eat." Jocelyn said.

"I know it must be tough, but she's probably adjusting to being back. Give her some time, she'll come around." I tried to reason, but even I didn't fully believe myself. They nodded and headed into the kitchen. This was going to be an intense homecoming.

Time Jump – One Week Later

Jace POV:

Jon took a few days off before coming back to school. I didn't blame him though. The whole town was buzzing about Clary's return, and that was probably the last thing he needed right now. But last night he texted me and asked if I could pick him up. Of course I was going to, he has just gotten his sister back after so many years, and he needs me. So now I'm sitting outside the Morgenstern house waiting for Jon. I look up and I see Clary in her window. She's looking at me, and once we made eye contact she looked away but she didn't move from the window. I can't imagine how hard it must be to go from wherever she was being kept, to being home again. It must be incredibly hard, and emotional it is being home. Once Jon got in the car we headed to school.

"So, how has the week been?" I asked.

"Weird." He said. "Please don't judge me for what I'm about to say." He asked and the look in his eyes was a pleading one.

"I would never judge you Jon." I said honestly.

"I forgot what it was like to have a sister." He said. "She was missing for 5 years, and I guess part of me assumed she was dead, but now having her back, it's weird."

"That sounds normal to me." I said.

"I just, she doesn't leave her room, and all she eats is a peanut butter sandwich at 3:15 every day. That's it." He mentioned.

"It's probably the routine of whoever kept her." I pointed out.

"Shit. I never thought about it that way." Jon said.

"Look, she was with whoever took her for 5 years. She had to adapt to a routine, and it's going to take her longer than a week to realize she's in a safe environment." I told him.

"I know, but she isn't Clary anymore." Jon said.

"And she never will be." I said. "Being kidnapped took something from her. Her innocence, her childhood, her teenage years. She'll never get to get those back, and you guys have to realize that."

"How did you get so wise?" Jon asked the moment the car parked in the schools parking lot.

"I've always been wise." I smirked and he snorted as we got out of the car. The whole parking lot seemed to stop and stare at Jon. I sighed and hung his head. "Yo, you want to fucking stare, go to a museum, otherwise, mind your own fucking business!" I yelled and everyone scattered.

"Thanks man." Jon said and I clapped him on the back.

"No problem Jon." I said and we made our way inside. I knew this was going to be hard for Jon, and all I could really do was be here for him, and I really hoped that was enough.

Time Jump – One Month Later

Jace POV:

We were well into football season, and just like every other game, Jon and I had to spend the night together. It all started freshman year when my parents went out of town, and didn't trust me home alone. So I stayed with Jon and at the game, we totally destroyed the other team, since than it's been our tradition – we must spend the night before a game together.

I was picking up the traditional junk food for game night before getting to Jon's house. So far Clary hasn't joined us for any game night, but I made it a point to always remind her that she was always invited whenever I saw her, which wasn't all that often.

I got to the house and unloaded the stash of food and Jocelyn, Valentine, and Jon all dug in. I knew what they all liked, and I made sure that I got them all for them. Jon once mentioned that he got Clary her favorite candy one day to see if she would start eating anything other than peanut butter sandwiches, but she didn't. Going out on a limb, I picked up her favorite candy in hopes that we would get her to join us tonight.

"Did you buy Twix?" Jon asked.

"Yea." I said. "I'm going to see if tonight is the night Clary joins us." I said and they nodded. It was still a sore subject, and i understood.

I went upstairs and made my way to her door. I took a deep breath – there was a chance that she wouldn't answer, but I just had to bite the bullet and try my hardest to get her to join us. I knocked on the door, and waited. At first I thought she wasn't going to answer, but that her door opened.

"Hey." I said and she just stared at me. "Look, I know you normally don't join game night, but it's always a lot of fun, and I picked up your favorite." I said as I showed her the Twix. "So, what do you say? You gonna join us tonight?" I asked. It was silent for some time. I was honestly debating just walking away if she didn't answer me. Soon her hand lifted up and took the Twix bar out of my hand.

"What are you playing?" She asked.

"We're playing Cards Against Humanity. Ever heard of it?" I asked but than I realized how stupid it was to say. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't' have said that." I backtracked but she just smiled a little.

"I don't mind." She said. "You're the only person I come in contact with that doesn't treat me like a victim."

"You can't blame them." I said and she shut her bedroom door.

"I don't." She said. "But that doesn't mean it doesn't suck. I was captured and trafficked for 5 years. I've done things nobody should ever be subjected too. Especially at that young of an age." She added. "But treating me like a baby bird who fell out of her nest isn't helping me either."

"I don't want to upset you, but maybe if you came out of your room every now and than, they would see that all they need to do is go on living." I said and she looked at me. "I moved here a little less than a year after you were taken, they were a mess. Just remember that." She nodded and we made our way into the dining room where game night always took place. "Look who I coerced out of her room." I said and everyone smiled.

"How did you do it?" Jon asked.

"Do you know how long it's been since I had Twix?" Clary said and I laughed a little, but everyone else looked sad. "Wow, tough crowd."

"Dark humor isn't always a crowd pleaser." I nudged her and she smiled a little before taking her seat, which just so happened to be next to mine. "So, you all ready to get your ass kicked?" I asked and everyone laughed.

"You're on Herondale." Jon said and we handed out the cards. I could see Clary was a little tense, but I hoped that tonight was a stepping stone in the right direction for her and the whole Morgenstern family.

Time Jump – Two Hours Later

Jace POV:

"Okay, my turn." I said as I grabbed a black card, and I couldn't help but laugh. "This is a good one." I said. "During Sex, I like to think about (blank)." I said as I put the card down.

I waited for a couple minutes because I knew Jon was going to take forever. It was like this every time. He always had two that he liked but couldn't decide and it took him literally forever to choose, but we didn't mind. They always ended up being hilarious either way, and we always appreciated a good laugh.

"Okay, I'm good." Jon said and I went and picked the stack up.

"Okay, so 'during sex, I like to think about (blank)." I said, reminding everyone of the cards. "Preteens." I read the first card. "Disgusting guys, that's just wrong." I said and everyone laughed. "Fingering." I read the second card. "Well, sometimes that's also being performed." I smirked and Jon kicked me under the table. "Okay, okay. No need to get violent." I said and he laughed. "Two midgets shitting into a bucket." I said and we all lost it. "Dude, that's like my go to card if I have it." I said. "It never loses. And last but not least – dying." I said and the room went silent. I can only assume that was Clary's. "Okay, it kinda got dark, but that's alright." I said as I put the cards down. "Well, I'm sorry, but I have to go with the midgets. Always a classic." I said and Jon took the black card from me.

"Thank you very much." He said.

"And really Jocelyn, preteens?" I asked and she laughed.

"It was funny." She said and I just shook my head. It was now Clary's turn. She picked up a black card and cleared her throat.

"Okay, (blank): good to the last drop." She said. We all grabbed our cards and put them into the center. "Alright, (blank): good to the last drop." Clary reminded us all. "German Dungeon Porn." She read the first card and we all laughed. "The clitoris." She said and I looked at Jon, that was always his go to card. "Doin' it in the butt." She read. "And dry heaving." She said. "I'm going to have to go with doin' it in the butt." She said and Valentine reached for the black card.

"Thank you sweetie." He said. "And the winner is….me. Again." He gloated and we all laughed.

"I'm going to head to bed." Clary said as she stood up.

"Thank you for joining sweetheart." Jocelyn said and she smiled before going upstairs. "I think that went well."

"I told you guys, she just needs time." I said and they all nodded.

"Well, I'm going to follow Clary's lead and get some sleep." Valentine said.

"Me as well." Jocelyn said.

"Night guys." Jon said and they headed upstairs. Jon cleaned up the snacks and I cleaned up the game and he went upstairs while I stayed downstairs. I was never able to fall asleep early before a game. Normally I just watched TV until I got tired.

Clary POV:

"The more you struggle, the worse it'll be." The man said. I tried to hold on to the bars as long as I could. I couldn't go back into the room. I just couldn't.

"Please, just let me go home!" I cried, but that only caused him to laugh.

"I guess I'll be the hard way." He said before he ripped me away from the bars. He threw me over his shoulder and started walking. I fought has hard as I could, but he was so much stronger than me. Once we got to the room, I was thrown on the ground, I'm pretty sure I heard something crack, but I didn't care.

"Look who we have here." The other man said. "Little Red." He sneered before he moved closer to me.

"NO! Stop!" I yelled as his hand made it's way up my thigh. "Please leave me alone!" I cried out but all my protests were ignored.

I shot out of bed at the nightmare of one of the first times I was taken advantage of after being taken. It was a nightmare that plagued my mind at night. It was something I don't think I could ever get rid of. Something that would haunt me forever, and I hated that.

I decided to just go for a run. I needed to clear my mind, and that wasn't going to happen while I was trapped in this house. It had become more of a prison than a home since I've been back, and this was the only time I knew I could walk out the front door without having someone attached to my hip.

I made my way downstairs and was surprised to see Jace still awake and watching TV. I looked at the clock, it was only 1:30 in the morning, so I guess I shouldn't be that surprised.

"Where are you going?" He asked me as I made my way to the door.

"Out for a run." I said.

"Want some company?" He asked. I thought about it for a moment. He's been the only one who hasn't treated me like glass since I got back.

"Sure." I said and he hopped off the couch and got his shoes on. We got outside, I locked the front door, and we started running.

I don't know why I was surprised that Jace was a good runner. He was an athlete, and he was pretty much in shape 24/7, and he was friends with Jon. They probably never had a dull moment in their lives. Jon always liked to be busy, so I assumed Jace was the same.

I zoned out for a period of time. I don't even know how long we were running for, and I forgot that Jace was even with me. I looked over at him, and he didn't even look like he was breaking a sweat.

"How often do you run?" He asked.

"We didn't have a lot of room, but there was this giant room we were often kept in, and I would just run around it until I collapsed from exhaustion." I explained. "It was often what I did after I had a nightmare."

"Do you still get nightmares?" He asked and I simply shrugged. "You don't have to lie or act tough around me." He added. "I'm not going to judge you."

"I don't remember a time where I didn't have a nightmare." I finally said. "It's just what happens when you've been through what I have."

"That must suck." He said and I nodded.

We continued running in silence when something felt off. I don't know why I felt the sudden shift. I felt comfortable around Jace. He asked me questions because he was genuinely curious, and he stopped before it got too far. I liked that. Someone who wanted to know, but wasn't overly curious. I was pulled out of my head when I felt someone grab my arm. I didn't know what happened next, but everything in me just started panicking.

Jace POV:

When I saw the van pull up beside Clary and I, something felt wrong. I looked over, and someone reached out of the van and grabbed Clary's arm and pulled. I saw her eyes gloss over, she was going into panic mode.

Before I could even register what was happening, I wrapped my arms around Clary's torso and pulled her away from the person grabbing her. The van wrecked of alcohol, and once I ripped Clary away, none other than Sebastian fell out of the van.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I growled at him.

"It was a joke." Sebastian slurred.

"It wasn't a fucking funny one." I yelled and he just laughed. "Get the fuck out of here Sebastian, and if I ever see you messing with Clary again, I won't go easy on you." I said and he just continued to laugh as he got back in the van. It sped away and I looked back at Clary was on the ground rocking back and forth. I got down next to her, but I really didn't know what to do. I've never had to help someone through this kind of situation. "Clary?" I questioned and she looked at me, with a dead look in her eyes.

"Please don't take me again. I won't do it again, just please leave me alone." She said in the most heart breaking voice I've ever heard.

"Clary, it's me Jace. You're safe." I said and she continued to rock. I didn't know how to get her out of the place, so I just picked her up and sat her on my lap. After a minute, she wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her face into my neck. I felt her crying, and I just held her tighter. I don't know how long we sat there like that, but when she pulled away, I noticed that her eyes weren't dead like they were before. "Clary?" I questioned.

"Jace?" She asked and I just nodded. "I'm so sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for." I said. "What Sebastian did was fucked up."

"But I shouldn't have reacted that way." She said.

"Clary, you are allowed to react in whatever way you deem reasonable. You have had to live a nightmare these last 5 years, and for someone to try and joke about what I can assume was the most terrifying night of your life, isn't cool." I told her and she nodded.

"Thank you." She said. "For saving me."

"If he wasn't completely drunk, I would have kicked his ass." I said and she laughed. "Sebastian knows not to mess with me, but apparently his alcoholic induced mind wasn't working properly."

"How come he knows not to mess with you?" She asked.

"I'm a black belt in jiu jitsu." I said and she nodded. "Come on, let's get you home." I said and she stood up, but the minute I let go, her legs buckled.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm being like this." She said and without a second though, I picked her up bridal style and started walking.

"Don't ever apologize for coping in whatever way you need to." I said and she nodded before wrapping her arms around my neck. What happened tonight shouldn't haven't happened. Sebastian is definitely going to get a piece of my mind Monday morning when I see him, that you can be sure of.

Time Jump – Monday Morning

Jace POV:

When I showed up Monday Sebastian was sitting in class, and he looked like absolute shit. I expected nothing less though. He pretty much spent every weekend getting drunk, or high. He had no plans of doing anything with his future, so he really didn't care about school. I made my way over to him, and pulled up a chair.

"What the hell do you want?" Sebastian mumbled.

"You know, you'd think for someone who literally has the world in the palm of his hand, he wouldn't spend his weekends getting so shitfaced that you start doing completely stupid shit." I said and he looked at me.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said.

"Oh, you mean you don't remember trying to grab Clary off the streets Friday night as some sick and twisted joke?" I said, which caused the whole classroom to shut up. I didn't care about keeping my voice down.

"Look man, I was drunk, and it was a stupid prank. Nothing more." He said trying to justify his actions.

"Being drunk is no excuse for trying to recreate the worst thing that has ever happened to the Morgenstern family." I said. "I can only assume that Jon is going to find out about your stupid little stunt, and he's going to come after you." I said and he looked directly into my eyes. "And if you ever try and come near Clary again, I'll take care of you myself." I threatened. "Got it?"

"Whatever." He said and than the teacher started teaching. I got to my seat and started taking notes. I was going to keep my end of the treat up, and if he ever tried to do something like that to Clary, the end result wasn't going to be pretty.

Clary POV:

Since I was being homeschooled, I got to move at my own pace. And since I haven't been to school since a quarter through my 7th grade year, I had a lot of catching up to do. I was supposed to be a junior in high school, but here I am working on middle school work.

The 7th grade wasn't that hard. And it was nice that I tested out of some of the subjects, but now that I am in the 8th grade for some subjects, I feel like a complete and utter idiot. I'm 17 years old, and I can't do math? Great.

I was so lost in thought, that I didn't even hear someone knocking on my door until I hear the hinges seeks and saw it open. I looked up and there stood Jace. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. It was nice to know someone wasn't going to treat me like a victim, but also protect me and comfort me like he did on Friday night.

"Hey." I said and he walked into my room.

"Hey." He said. "I came here to let you know Jon found out about Friday night."

"Great." I said and he took a seat on the chest that was at the foot of my bed.

"He's probably currently beating the shit out of Sebastian as we speak." He said and I nodded. "What are you working on?" He asked and I sighed.

"You're going to think I'm stupid." I admitted.

"Not true." He said as he made his way over to my bed. "Absolute value?" He asked and I nodded.

"Yea, and it's probably the only thing I understand in this whole lesson." I admitted and he looked at the workbook I was given.

"That's okay. Math can be tricky." He said and I laid back on my bed.

"I'm a 17 year old who is stuck in middle school. I'm stupid, and I'm never getting back on track." I admitted and I heard him sigh.

"Middle school isn't supposed to be easy. It's supposed to get you ready for high school, which also isn't easy. And if you actually went to 8th grade, you'd be just as confused." He said and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Way to make me feel better." I said as I sat up. I didn't realize how close we were until our noses were almost touching. Our eyes locked and we didn't move until he cleared his throat and looked back at my work.

"I'm not trying to make you feel better, I'm trying to get you to look at it logically. You're behind, but it's not because you're stupid, it's because of other peoples stupidity." He said and I nodded.

"You're right." I said and he looked back at me. "But it doesn't make me feel any less stupid when I can't figure something out."

"I know Jon said you were going to therapy." He said and I nodded. "Has your therapist given you any advice on how to take your aggression out on something else instead of just calling yourself names?" He asked.

"She said that I could exercise, but I tried that, and drunk idiots made me relive one of the worst days of my life, so I kinda just stopped." I explained.

"How about I take you to my gym and I teach you some jiu jitsu?" He offered and I looked at him.

"Really?" I asked.

"Of course. It's a lot of patience, but also a lot of fun. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to learn how to defend yourself." He explained. "I think it could be a really positive thing for you."

"I'll try." I said after hearing his reasons. "But would it be possible to do it after everyone else leaves?" I asked.

"I'll talk to the gym owner." He said. "I'll let you know what he says. But for now, I have to get home. See you later Clary." He said and I nodded. He got off the bed and made his way to the door.

"Hey Jace." I called before he could leave. He turned around and smiled. "Thank you, for everything you've done for me since I got back."

"Believe it or not Clary, even though I didn't know you, I've always viewed you as a member of my family, because that's how I view Jon and your parents." He said. "I'll always be here for you."

"I know, and that means a lot to me." I said and he nodded before heading out. I looked back at my work and grabbed a pencil. "Okay, I can do this." I said before getting back to work. It might be hard, but Jace was right, this wasn't meant to be easy, and I wasn't going to let it defeat me.

Time Jump – Six Months Later

Clary POV:

Since I've been home for six months, I was having a full evaluation with my therapist. I see her once a week, but there are times where I just don't have much to say. But with this full evaluation, I have to be willing to talk about the things that I don't necessarily want too. His appointment decides if I have to keep going to therapy once a week or if I can go once every two weeks.

I was sitting in the office waiting for my name to be called. Jon was with me today, since both my parents had to work, and he seemed more nervous than I was. But he's been hyperaware of everything since I got back, and since that stupid stunt with Sebastian happened. I don't mind him being super protective, but I wanted my brother back, I wanted the guy who made fun of me, and who played pranks on me. I just didn't know if that was possible at this point.

"Clarissa Morgenstern?" I heard and I stood up and followed her back to the office. When I got in there, my therapist was already sitting there.

"Clary, it's great to see you." She said and I took a seat.

"You as well Jia." I said and she nodded.

"How are you doing today?" She asked, just like she always does.

"I'm okay." I said.

"Good. Now, as you know, this appointment is going to determine how often you have to come see me now, and I know sometimes you don't feel like talking, and I completely understand that, but today I need to know exactly where you stand with everything that's gone on." She said.

"I understand." I said and she nodded.

"Good, now I'd like to start with the nightmares." She said. "How have they been?" She asked.

"Frequent." I said. "I've come to realize that if I just exhaust myself, that I fall asleep without even a dream. It's just a black hole."

"And do you think that's better?" She asked.

"Than waking up screaming and sweating? Yes. I do." I said and she nodded.

"What have you been doing to exhaust yourself?" She asked.

"Jiu jitsu." I said and her eyes widened.

"Really? What got you into that?" She asked.

"My brothers best friend told me that he's a black belt, and that it was a great way to get your aggression out, and I have plenty of that stored up inside me." I said and she nodded.

"Has it been helping?" She asked.

"I think so." I said. "It's also taught me how to defend myself." I said. "I didn't tell you this before, because I didn't want to relive it, but awhile back, I went out for a run after one of my nightmares. Thankfully, my brothers best friend offered to join, because some guy from their school thought it would be funny to recreate the day I was kidnapped."

"Oh god." She said.

"Yea. Jace, my brothers best friend, saved me, and that's when he offered to teach me jiu jitsu. I feel safer now." I explained.

"That's very good to hear." She said and I nodded. "How do you feel about your return to a normal life?" She asked.

"I don't know. It doesn't feel normal to me." I admitted.

"Why is that?" She asked.

"Because I still feel like I'm the 12 year old girl who was taken." I told her honestly.

"How so?" She probed.

"For one, I'm still in middle school academically." I pointed out. "For some reason 8th grade math seems to be my down fall. I may be home, but the only difference between being home, and being held captive is the fact that I can pee without being watched."

"What does that mean?" She asked.

"Nobody lets me do anything alone." I said not realizing how upsetting it really was. "I spend most of my time in my room because I want to be alone. I don't want someone breathing down my neck."

"You can't blame them Clary. They lost you for 5 years." She said.

"And I was tortured for 5 years. I was raped, and assaulted. Drugged, and abused. I was a pawn in someone's sick and twisted game." I said as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. "I witnessed girls – much younger than me – get killed, and sold and tossed around like garbage for years. And all I could think about is how that was going to be me one day."

"But it wasn't Clary." She said. "You're alive."

"Physically, yea, I'm alive. But that doesn't mean everything survived my capture." I told her.

"Can you elaborate on that?" She asked. "What do you mean?"

"There was so much of me that died while I was taken. My innocence, my dream of a normal life, part of my character. They took so much more than just 5 years of my life away from me." I explained. "I still feel their hands all over my body, and I can still feel the needle being jammed in between my toes before they would send me off with some sleazy man who prayed on innocent girls." I said as the tears started to slowly stream down my cheek. "They expected the same Clary to return to them, and I'm not that girl. I'm not the 12 year old who saw the world in bright colors. I see the world for what it truly is."

"And what is the world truly like?" She asked.

"It's Hell." I said. "It's torture, and abuse, and lies, and tricks, and manipulation." I said through gritted teeth. "The world isn't a great place, and there is a part of me that wished they took me out of it."

"Clary, are you having suicidal thoughts?" She asked but I couldn't even look at her let alone speak. "Okay Clary, I'm going to set you up with another therapist, one who I think can really help you out with these thoughts." She said as she wrote something down. "I still want you to come to me, but I think the best option for you would be to rotate. So me one week, than the next week this doctor." She said as she handed me the piece of paper.

"Okay." I simply said. This wasn't how I planned for this evaluation to go, but there was something about this session that just gave me the power to let out everything I've been feeling for months now.

"We're going to get you through this Clary. I know the world isn't all rainbows, and sunshine, but there are good parts of this world, and I hope you get to experience them." She said and I simply nodded. I went back to the waiting area where Jon was.

Once we got in the car and went home, I decided that I was going to confront my family. I know they are worried, but I'm slowly dying here with how tight of a watch they have on me and they need to know otherwise I doubt anything will be solved.

"How was therapy sweetie?" My mom asked when she saw me.

"Eye opening." I said. "I need to speak with you." I told her, before looking at my dad and Jon. "All of you."

"What's up Clare?" My dad asked.

"I am not that 12 year old girl that you all lost 5 years ago." I said bluntly. "I'm 17, and I'm different. A lot has happened to me, and I will never be that same girl again."

"Honey…"

"Please mom, let me get this out." I said and she nodded. "I feel like I'm in prison." I said directly. "I feel like I'm locked in all those bedrooms that I was in for so many years, and it's killing me. I'm still slowly dying despite being home." I said. "This doesn't feel like a home, this feels like, like, like I'm captured again." I said and the tears started flowing. "You can't keep breathing down my neck, and putting me on a leash. I'm not defenseless. Jace has been teaching me how to defend myself for the past 6 months, and I have a thick skin. I'm not some weak little girl people can pray on anymore. I've been through a lot." I said as my voice cracked. "And I need my parents, my brother. I don't need a care taker, or a babysitter."

"Sweetheart."

"Mom, I can't do this anymore. I want to be able to take a walk when I need some air without Jon next to me. I need to be able to go down an aisle in the store without you freaking out that you lost me." I said. "I need freedom. I want to learn how to drive, I want to be able to go to the park and draw for the first time since I've been back. I want to be able to be trusted."

"It's not you we don't trust." My dad said. "It's the world. They took you from us once. That's not happening again." He said, emotion evident in his voice.

"I'm not a little girl anymore dad." I told him. "I'm not even sure I'm a 17 year old girl either. But I'm me, and I need you all to accept the new me."

"We accept you honey." My mom said as she stood up. "You'll always be our Clare-Bear." She said and the mention of my old nickname just broke the emotional barrier and I lost it. She pulled me into her and I just cried into her shoulder. I felt my dad and brother soon join in and I just let out all this emotion that I've been holding in for so long. This was a good step and I was ready to start embracing my new life. It might not be all that happy, but it was something.

Time Jump – One Month Later

Jace POV:

"Okay, so you're sure you want me doing this?" I asked for probably the 12th time.

"Jace, you're the only one who treats me like a human being." Clary said. "My family would just be way too over protective, and I don't need them babying me."

"Okay, but I can be a dick at times, so just tell me when I'm out of line." I said and she nodded. "Okay, so put your foot on the break and put the car in drive." I said and she did as told. "Now, drive." I said and we jerked the car forward.

"Sorry." She said and I laughed.

"Don't worry. That's why we're in this car." I said and she laughed. "Don't be afraid if you get a dent in it, or run over a curb. This poor baby has been through a lot."

"How much is a lot?" She asked curiously.

"Uh, 6 accidents, a swim in the lake, and a beautiful bone fire." I said and she laughed.

"How is this thing still running?" She asked.

"A lot of blood, sweat and tears." I said honestly.

"Your own?" She quipped.

"Of course not. I don't know anything about cars." I admitted and she laughed.

The rest of our lesson went by relatively smoothly. She picks up on things rather quickly, and she was always open to hearing how to improve so that was really nice. I remember Jon telling me that Clary wants to be treated like a normal girl, and I can't blame her one bite. Having your family constantly breathing down her neck would be irritating. So I've been thinking recently to ask Jon's permission to take her to our prom. It wasn't something extravagant, but she's a 17 year old girl being deprived of a high school experience, and I think it would be fun for her. Something normal, and it could be really fun.

When we got back to her house, she went right upstairs, and I took this as my opportunity to talk to Jon about what I've been thinking about. He was just chillin in his room, so I went up and closed the door behind me, which caused him to looked up from his homework.

"How was the lesson?" He asked.

"Not bad." I said. "She's a really fast learner."

"That's good." He said. "I still can't believe she asked you to teach her." He said and I laughed.

"I'm a third party. She knows I won't be treating her with kid gloves." I explained. "I know you all have been getting better since she spoke to you all, but I understand her concerns."

"I get it. It just sucks that I can't be that person for her. At least right now anyway." He said honestly.

"She's still processing, and so are you all. I understand you all having to readjust to being together, and reform your relationship." I said and he nodded. "But I came up here to talk to you about something."

"What's on your mind?" He asked and I took a seat.

"Clary has made it perfectly clear that she want's to be treated normally." I said and Jon nodded. "So, I was thinking, since she's catching up in school, she's going to miss out on a regular high school experience, so I thought I'd take her to prom." I said and his eyes widened a little. "But only if it was cool with you."

"To be honest." He said and I felt like I was about to be shot down. "I think that's a really good idea."

"Really?" I asked slightly surprised.

"Yea." He said. "Clary wants to get back to a normal life." He explained. "She needs a new normal, and I've been trying to put myself in her shoes lately, and it would suck to be so far behind kids her age. I mean, she's never going to be able to attend a regular school because she's playing catch up. I think taking her to a real school function would really help her."

"That's great to hear." I said as I let out a breath. "I thought you were going to say no."

"I trust you with her Jace." He said. "You've been teaching her how to defend herself, and you're teaching her how to drive. She's comfortable with you, and seeing her get back in the rhythm of everyday things is what we want to see."

"I'm gonna go talk to her." I said and he nodded. I made my way to Clary's room and knocked on the door.

"Come in." I heard her call. I opened the door and she was sitting on her bed. "What's up?" She asked.

"Well, I wanted to ask you something." I said as I closed the door behind me.

"What is it?" She asked.

"I'm just going to come right out and say it." I said and she nodded. "Would you like to go to prom with me?" I asked and her jaw dropped.

"You want to take me to prom?" She asked and I laughed.

"I do." I said. "I talked to Jon about it, and I think since you're never going to get a normal experience in high school, I could at least give something back to you." I said and her eyes started to water. "Please don't cry." I said and she let out a little life.

"No, they aren't bad tears." She said. "I just, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard." She said and I laughed.

"I think we could have a really fun time together. You get to dress up, and just let loose. And get one normality back. You get to be that 17 year old girl you always thought you would be." I said and she got off the bed and made her way over to me and hugged me. I happily hugged her back.

"I would love to go to prom with you." She said and I smiled.

"Cool." I said. "I should head home, but I'll see you soon." I said and she nodded. I made my way out to my car and headed home. I was really excited to go to prom with Clary and just have a great time, and I hope she was thinking the same thing.

Time Jump – One Week Later

Clary POV:

I had an appointment with my therapist today, and now that I actually had a topic that wasn't morbid to talk about, I was pretty excited to meet with her. I didn't have a lot of friends to gush about this with, and she was paid to listen, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity. I got called back and when I got to her office, she was already there.

"Good to see you Clary." She said.

"You as well." I said as I took a seat on the couch.

"How are you doing today?" She asked.

"I actually had a pretty great week." I said and she smiled at me.

"That's great." She said enthusiastically. "What happened that made it so great?"

"Well, you remember Jace right?" I asked.

"Your brothers best friend?" She asked and I nodded.

"One in the same." I said. "Well, I asked him to teach me how to drive once I got my permit, since I knew he wouldn't put me in a little bubble, and last week after our lesson, he actually asked me to go to prom with him."

"Wow. That's great!" She cheered.

"I know! I cried when he asked me." I laughed. "It just seemed surreal, but he told me that I would never have a normal high school experience, which he's right about, and this was something he could give back to me." I explained. "I'm super excited about it."

"That was really nice of him." She said.

"I know." I said. "But he's a really great guy, and he's kinda been my only friend since coming back."

"Yea, especially since he had a whole school to pick from." She made an offhanded comment, one that I probably wasn't supposed to think much of, but it did get me thinking – why ask me when he had plenty of other options? Pity? Guilt? Prank? My mind was reeling with all the possibilities, and it stuck for the rest of the session.

When I got home I noticed that Jace's car was parked in front of my house, so I decided to confront him about it. I'd rather know now than right before prom and be humiliated. I walked right up to Jon's room and pushed the door opened. Jace was sitting on the beanbag chair, and Jon was on his bed.

"Hey, how was therapy?" Jon asked.

"Did you ask me to prom as some sick and twisted joke?" I shouted at Jace completely ignoring Jon.

"What?" He asked a little shocked.

"You had an entire school to pick from, why me? To humiliate me? Because your feel guilty because of all the shit I went through? Pitying the kidnapped kid?" I yelled.

"I don't know where you got all these insane ideas Clary, but I asked you because I really want to go with you." Jace said as he got off the beanbag chair.

"He's telling the truth Clare – Bear." Jon chimed in. "The last thing Jace wants to do is go to prom with any girl at school."

"I don't need your pity!" I yelled.

"Clarissa, calm down." Jace said as he approached me. "Listen to everything I have to say." He said and I took a deep breath and nodded. "I asked you to prom because I genuinely wanted to spend that night with you and give you a night that would be honestly a lot of fun. We already get along so well, and it's just a bonus that I don't have to go with anyone from school. I think you're be a great date, and it gives you that normalcy you always talk about wanting." He explained. "I in no way intend on embarrassing you, humiliating you, bringing you because I feel guilty, since I have nothing to feel guilty about when it comes to your kidnapping, I didn't even know you." He said and that made me laugh a little. "I want you to be my date to prom, plain and simple."

"I'm sorry." I finally said. "My therapist said something that I think was supposed to be a light comment but it just stuck in my head since she said it."

"Don't worry about it." Jace said as he rested his hand on my shoulder. "Water under the bridge."

"Okay, well now that that's settled, I have to go tackle some 8th grade science." I said and he laughed.

"Kick ass." He said and I smiled before heading to my room. I should have known Jace asked me because he genuinely wanted too, but it takes a lot for me to trust people these days, and I let it get to me.

Time Jump – Two Weeks Before Prom

Jace POV:

I was at Jon's house – like always – and we were sitting in the kitchen doing some homework when Clary walked in with a perplexed look on her face.

"Everything okay?" I asked and she looked at me.

"What color do you want to wear to prom?" She asked.

"I was just going to wear all black." I said. "Pick whatever color you want to wear." I said and she nodded.

"Okay." She said but it seemed like there was more there than just color scheme.

"Anything else?" I asked. And she looked like she wanted to speak about something.

"Uh, no. I'm good." She said and she walked away. Jon was so focused on calculus, that I decided to step away from homework to find out what was up with Clary. She was sitting on the porch, so I made my way out and took a seat next to her.

"What's bothering you Clare?" I asked.

"I didn't want anyone knowing this, but my therapist actually referred me to a different therapist." She explained.

"That doesn't sound too bad." I said.

"She specializes in kids who are suicidal." She said and I honestly lost my breath for a moment.

"And you're….suicidal?" I asked. Just saying that word broke my heart.

"I don't sit in my room and dream about killing myself, but I've thought about death, more than the average person should." She admitted.

"But you've thought about it before?" I asked.

"Sure. Especially when I was taken. I wished that they would kill me every day so I didn't have to go through their torture again." She said. This girl truly had more demons than any 17 year old should have.

"So, what is it about right now that has you conflicted?" I asked.

"It's hard to explain." She said. "I just get these urges to do something stupid. Something permanent." She said. "I don't know how else to explain it without you judging me."

"Hey, I'm not here to judge you." I told her. "Going to a therapist is great and all, but sometimes it helps having other people you can open up too. That way you don't have to hold it in until your next appointment."

"She told me to write in a journal." She said. "But I'm much better at expressing my feelings in picture form."

"So you sketch how you feel?" I asked and she nodded. "That's great."

"You wouldn't be saying that if you saw my sketches." She mumbled.

"Look, those sketches are yours, and you are in no way obligated to show them to anyone, but getting thoughts out onto paper, is better than keeping them in your mind." I said. She reached down into her bag and pulled out a book. She placed her hand on top of it before handing it over to me. "Are you sure?" I asked.

"I trust you." She said. "And you can't suggest to lock me up in the loony bin." She laughed and I nodded.

I opened to the first page and the first thing I thought was that she was truly talented. I started flipping pages, and every image was incredibly graphic. It was a faceless girl – who I assumed was Clary – getting beaten, raped, drugged, assaulted, and so much more. I looked over at Clary and she was stoic. Looking out into the neighborhood, not looking for my reaction at all. When I got to the end of the sketches I closed the book and that's when she looked at me.

"Now you know what I went through." She said and I handed it back to her. "Now you know how disgusting I am."

"Clary, you are in no way disgusting." I said as I reached my hand out and took hers in mine.

"The things they did to me Jace – violating me, drugging me, beating me – I've been through too much to ever be normal again." She cried.

"Normalcy is overrated." I said. "I'm sure there are parts of you that will never be there again, or the same, but you aren't dead Clary." I told her and she looked at me. "You are alive, and you have a chance to turn this around. You can finish school, go to college, get married, have a family. You have your whole life ahead of you. They didn't take that away from you, so don't take it away from yourself."

"You really think anyone is going to want to marry this?" She asked as she held up her sketchbook.

"The right guy will." I told her. "Look, you have so much potential Clary. I know it's dark now, but it won't be dark forever."

"Have you ever thought about a career in counseling? You'd be great at it." She said and I smiled.

"I don't know what I want to do with my future yet." I said honestly. "That's why I'm going to a community college first."

"And I'll be in 9th grade. Yay." She said dryly and I laughed.

"Progress is progress. Doesn't matter how slow or fast it goes." I said and she smiled.

"Thank you Jace." She said. "For listening and not judging."

"Thank you for trusting me with your thoughts." I said. She smiled before getting up. She leaned down and pressed her lips to my cheek before going back into the house. I couldn't get the smile off my face as I reentered the house, and I nearly shit myself when Jon was standing there. "Holy shit Jon. Don't do that." I said and he laughed.

"That was a cute moment." He said. "Little lip action."

"You act like we made out." I said. "She kissed my cheek as a thank you, and that's your little sister, don't say things like 'lip action'." I said and he laughed.

"Exactly, my little sister. Don't hurt her." He said.

"Jon, come on." I said.

"No, you've been very good to Clary since she got back." He said. "There is something there, something raw, and real. I support you chasing after your happiness, but she's my sister before you're my friend. So watch out."

"I will remember that." I said and he nodded.

"Good, now help me with this calculus homework. I'm fucking lost." He said and I laughed and clapped my hand on his shoulder and we made our way into the kitchen. Jon wasn't wrong when he said there was something between us. I've felt it for a couple weeks now, but I was in no way going to push Clary. This was going to be on her time schedule. Not mine.

Time Jump – Prom

Clary POV:

I was standing in front of the mirror just staring at myself. I never got a chance to experiment with my look. I lived in the same ratty clothes until I was handed off to someone, but even then I never got to 'dress up', so this was a new experience for me. I hardly recognized myself as I stared at myself. There was a knock on my door right before my mom entered.

"Oh sweetie, you look stunning." She said and I smiled and turned around.

"I hardly recognize myself." I said.

"Well, you look absolutely wonderful." She said. When my mom found out I was going to prom, she wanted to pull out all the stops. I've been nonstop running around all day with her getting my nails done, my hair done, my make up done. Everything was perfect, which is one reason I didn't recognize myself.

"Are you sure it's not too much?" I asked.

"Baby, you look ethereal." She said and I smiled.

"I know what that word means! It was a vocab word." I said excitedly and she laughed.

"And it's completely true." She said. "Jace is downstairs with Jon and his date." She said and I nodded. I took a deep breath and went to meet them. Even though my mom said I looked good, I wanted Jace to think I looked good too. He was my date after all, and I didn't want to make my first and last appearance at school to be a bad one. I stepped down the stairs, and my eyes were so focused on the stairs so that I wouldn't trip, that I didn't even notice them all staring at me.

"Wow." I heard and that's when I looked up. Surprisingly, it was Jon's date who said it. "You look stunning." She said.

"Thank you." I said. "So do you."

"Not nearly as good as you." She commented and I blushed hard-core.

"She isn't wrong." I heard and that's when I turned my attention to Jace. He was wearing an entirely black suit, and his hair was messy, but and organized mess. He looked casual, but still fancy. "You look amazing."

"So do you. I like the all black look." I said as I played with his tie.

"Thank you." He smirked and I smiled.

"Picture time!" My mom said and that's when I noticed a lot more adults in the room. I recognized the two has Jace's, but the other two must have been Jon's dates parents.

We got out to the yard, and they took so many pictures. By the time we actually got in the car my face hurt from all the smiling, but I still couldn't get the smile off my face. I was going to prom, and I was super excited.

We pulled up to the school, and I instantly got nervous. There were going to be so many people here. I didn't even notice Jace get out until he was opening my door. He reached his hand out, and I gladly took it. He didn't let go after we started walking towards the school. Maybe he knew I needed the reassurance that everything was going to be okay.

Time Jump – One Hour Later

Clary POV:

I was in the bathroom washing my hands when I heard the door close, and footsteps approaching me.

"106." The voice said and I froze. "What does that number mean?" She asked and I flipped my hair back over so that it was covered. "Oh right, it's probably the number of guys you've fucked." She said in a condescending voice. "How does it feel? Being a whore so young in life? I bet you enjoyed it." She sneered. "Every minute of your preadolescent sexcapades." She laughed and so did her little posse. "Cat got your tongue whore?" She said and I just pushed passed her, and left her laughing in the bathroom while I made my way out to the rest of the people. I find Jace quickly and just held onto his arm.

"Everything okay?" He asked, and I just nodded as I took a couple more deep breathes. She wasn't going to ruin tonight for me. I just had to keep repeating that in my head.

Time Jump – One Hour Later

Jace POV:

"Would everyone please gather around." The principle announced. "We are going to crown our prom King and Queen." He said and everyone got excited. Clary hasn't left my side for about an hour, and I didn't mind. I was just talking to a few of my friends, and I held tightly to her hand. She seemed like she needed it, and I wanted to do everything I could to make her comfortable. "Alright, can we get all the nominees up on stage please." He said and I looked at Clary.

"I'll be right back." I told her.

"You're nominated?" She asked and I laughed.

"Yea." I said and she nodded. I let go of her hand and made my way to the stage. I had to admit, my hand felt cold without her little hand in mind.

"Alright ladies and gentleman, let's start with the prom queen." He said. "This years prom queen is…Kaelie Whitewillow!" He announced and everyone clapped while her tight knit group of friends cheered. He placed the crown on her head and she started waving to everyone. She was acting like she was just crowned the queen of a kingdom. "And for the King." He said. "And this years prom king is…..Jace Herondale." He said and I smiled. I made my way over to where Kaelie was standing but my eyes caught Clary, who was clapping and smiling at me. He placed the crown on my head and I leaned over to him.

"Could we possibly dance with out own dates this year?" I asked and the principal and I had a good relationship so he smiled and nodded.

"Okay everyone, this year is going to be a little different, the king and queen may choose their own partners to share this dance with." He said and I heard Kaelie gasp, but I was already down the stairs and making my way towards Clary. When I got to her I reached my hand out.

"May I have this dance?" I asked and she laughed. He took my hand and nodded. I pulled her to the center of the dance floor, and we started dancing. Our eyes were locked, and it was like nothing else mattered in this moment.

"106." I heard out of nowhere, but I felt Clary tense. I turned towards the stage where Kaelie was standing with the microphone. "Tell them Clary." She said and I turned back to Clary who looked absolutely petrified. "Well?" She questioned and I could see Clary just loosing her cool. She was starting to panic. "Well, if you won't I will." Kaelie said. "Clary Morgenstern has the number 106 burned into her back." She said and the whole placed gasped. "How does it feel to know everyone here knows how big of a whore you really are?" She said and everything in me just started boiling. I looked at Clary, and she just looked at me, started crying than ran. I saw Jon run after her, so I knew she was okay, so I turned back to face Kaelie.

"What did you hope to accomplish with this Kaelie?" I asked her sternly.

"Just wanted everyone to know who the real Clary Morgenstern is." She said. "A whore."

"You have no idea what you're talking about." I spat back at her.

"Oh please. Everyone knows the huge human trafficking ring that was busted." She said. "It was all over the news, and than all of the sudden Clary is back? There is only one possible explanation. She was out whoring around."

"She was fucking kidnapped." I yelled and the whole gym was silent, including Kaelie. "The fact that you would publicly humiliate her is a new low even for you." I said and she crossed her arms over her chest.

"She's damaged goods Jace." Kaelie finally said. "And she always will be."

"It's a good thing your opinion doesn't mean shit to me." I said. "Clary's been through some shit, but she's a much better person than you'll ever be. She can overcome her demons, but you can't overcome who you are." I said and with that I just left. I had to find Clary and see if she was okay.

I walked outside, and I saw Clary sitting on the hood of my car with Jon right next to her. I made my way over to them and Jon looked up at me. I nodded and so did he. He stood up and walked over to me and clapped me on the shoulder before disappearing back into the school. I made my way over to Clary and joined her on the hood, and waited for her to speak.

"Now you know." She finally said.

"Actually, I don't." I said and she looked up at me. "I know what Kaelie said in there was a lie, so all I have is that you possibly have the number 106 tattooed on you." I said and she sighed. She moved her hair and sure enough there it was, but it wasn't tattooed. "You were, branded?" I asked and she nodded. "Shit."

"This was how they kept track of us." She said. "When you got wherever you were sent, they branded you with the number. We had to wear our hair up at all times so that our number was showing."

"That's sadistic." I said and she nodded.

"It hurt like a bitch." She said and I laughed.

"I can't imagine the pain you went through." I said.

"I wouldn't wish it on anyone." She said. "Not even that girl in there who called me out."

"Why didn't you want me to know?" I asked.

"It's not something I like to show. Its something that I have to live with forever, a constant reminder of what I went through." She said. "Plus it just makes me uglier." She said and I was kinda shocked.

"You are not ugly Clary." I said and she looked at me. "You are the farthest thing from ugly."

"You're just saying that." She said. "Trying to make me feel better, like Jon."

"I wouldn't say something, just to say it." I told her and she looked at me. "You're are absolutely beautiful Clary. No amount of baggage, or demons, or nightmares, or whatever else you're plagued with could ever take away from the fact that you are a beautiful soul." I told her and she started crying. I stood up and moved to stand in front of her. I placed my hands on her knees and looked her straight in the eyes. "Everything about you is beautiful. Your looks, your personality, your humor, your laugh, your smile, your shyness, and your small bits of confidence, everything is beautiful. That number on your back shows your strength, and your perseverance. Both qualities that just make you more beautiful." I told her. "I've known it since the day that I met you."

"Known what?" She asked.

"That you were different. That you were going to become extremely important to me." I said honestly. "And everything that I've done for you, has been to show you that what happened to you doesn't define you. You can kick ass, you are smart, you can attend cheesy high schools dances, and that you are worthy of someone." I said as I picked her hand up in mine.

"Jace." She whispered.

"I like you Clary." I told her. "I like you a lot."

"You do?" She questioned.

"I do. I really do." I said and she smiled. "Can I kiss you?" I asked and I could tell she was hesitant, but she nodded slowly anyway. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers ever so slightly. I waited until I felt her melt against my lips until I started kissing her, and it was a moment that I knew I was going to cherish for the rest of my life, and I hope that she felt the same way.

Time Jump – Five Years Later

Jace POV:

Clary was right. Counseling was something that I was interested in, and when I finally had to declare a major, psychology was a no brainer. It was something I had a personal connection for, and something I felt like I could make the most change in.

Clary and I were still together, and to say that it has been the most challenging, yet rewarding 5 years of my life would not even begin to describe our relationship. She was still figuring out what happened to her, and how to cope with it, and that was something she was always going to be dealing with, but she has truly made remarkable progress in forgiving herself, and coming to terms with all of the stuff that happened to her, and I just see her getting lighter and lighter in everyday life. She isn't afraid to laugh anymore, and she isn't afraid to cry when she needs to cry. She isn't scared of her emotions anymore, and that might be the biggest progression she's made since her return home.

Clary has also finished high school, and was going to be attending college this year. It was hard, and she wanted to quit so many times, but she wanted this. She wanted to finish school and go out and be productive in the world, and I admired that strength, god knows I wouldn't have the patience for it. Just catching up in school when I missed being sick was annoying enough, and Clary had 6 years to catch up with, and just seeing the pure emotion of accomplishment in her face was so incredibly rewarding.

"Jace!" I heard and I was brought out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" I asked.

"I'm leaving." She said. "My classes are ever at 2." She said.

"I have a session at 2. It won't be over until 4. Do you want me to pick something up for dinner or are you going to cook?" I asked as I made my way over to her.

"I don't feel like cooking tonight." She said and I laughed. "Do you feel like cooking?" She asked.

"Not really." I said and she laughed.

"Thank take out it is." She said and I smiled. I leaned forward and gave her a kiss. "See you after your session." She said.

"I love you." I called after her, and before she walked out the door, she turned around and smiled at me.

"I love you too." She said before closing the door behind her.

I smiled to myself as I made my way to our room to get ready for my day. Clary and I were taking it day by day. We weren't in a rush to accomplish anything when it came to pivotal moments in our relationship. After I graduated college, we moved in together, and we're happy. We get through every day, and than we worry about the next one.

Will Clary ever be ready for marriage and a family? I have no idea. She's still haunted by her past, and I would never push her into something she isn't ready for. My main focus, and Clary's main focus right now is on our relationship, and her healing.

I was finished getting ready, and was heading downstairs to get all my stuff together when my phone buzzed. I went over to the counted and saw that it was a text for Clary. Probably that she forgot something, and that she wanted me to drop it off on my way to work. I put in my passcode and opened her message.

From Clary:

In the bathroom upstairs, I think I left my daily vitamins in the top drawer, can you check for me?

I laughed, and walked back upstairs. I walked in the bathroom and opened the top drawer, but instead of vitamins, there were a couple pregnancy tests, all positive. And my phone buzzed again.

From Clary:

Surprise!

It simply read and I couldn't believe it. My phone buzzed again.

From Clary:

I can't wait to raise this baby with you. I love you.

It said and I couldn't help but smile.

To Clary:

I love you too.

I said back because it was all I could type at the moment. Clary and I were having a baby, and from the sound of her texts she was excited for this next chapter of our lives, and I couldn't blame her.

This was a huge step for Clary. This was her embracing all that the future has to hold for us, and her knowing that the world might be a miserable place, but it could also give you the most amazing gifts. She didn't give up in the hard times, and now we got to experience the most wonderful journey together, and if that doesn't show how much better life can get after a dark time, I don't know what else can. Life can be good; so just hold. Like Clary.

Authors Note:

Sooooooo, long time no post. My bad guys. I just have had absolutely no motivation to write whatsoever, and it hasn't gone away, but I had the urge to finish one of the one shots that I have started (I have 5 others) I just can't seem to care about finishing them, and I have no idea why. I just look at the document, and than close my computer and do other things. Thank god my other stories all have pre-written chapters otherwise, they wouldn't be updated either.

Now, I get some reviews that talk about what can't happen in real life, and I just want to say, this isn't real life. It's fiction, so I can do whatever I want. You don't have to comment on the inaccuracies of what can and can't happen in real life. I do try to keep it more on the real side, but sometimes I just say fuck it, and do what I want. So yea, sometimes shit can't happen, but I make it happen anyway.

Now, if anyone has anything bad to say about this one shot, and how this wouldn't happen, please don't review. Just keep it to yourself and move on. Not everyone is going to like what I write, and that's okay. I don't like a lot of what I read, and I just finish what I do read, and move on. It's not that hard people.

(Also, I don't mean to offend anyone, and I'm not calling anyone out, this is tough month for me, and I'd prefer not to make it any more shitty than it already is. So if you're going to be negative, just stay away. I'm negative enough for myself without having people tell me my writing is trash! Again, I'm not calling anyone out, just letting you all know I'm not in a good mood during this entire month, and I'd appreciate it if unnecessary negativity stay away. Thanks.)