One Hundred and Thirty Three Story:
Trick or Treat
Clary POV:
I couldn't believe that my little girl was already 3 years old. It seemed impossible when I got pregnant at 16, that I would be here, but Ruthie was so incredibly bright, and happy, and so was I. Things may not have happened the way that I always expected them too, but I had a healthy kid, and a great job, and I'm thankful for that every singe day.
Since Ruthie knows what Halloween is this year, she was super excited to be going trick or treating. She decided in February that she wanted to be Ariel for Halloween, and I immediately started making her costume. I could have bought it somewhere, but it was just a lot more fun to make it so that it was her own take on The Little Mermaid, and she loved sitting with me and helping.
Since we lived in an apartment, I've been on the look out for good neighborhoods to trick or treat in, and I think I found the perfect one, and now that Halloween was only a couple days away, I was starting to get just as excited as Ruthie. This was our first real Halloween together, and we were both going to dress up, and have a blast. It was going to be one to remember.
Time Jump – Halloween
Jace POV:
Halloween was never my favorite holiday. I never understood why people got to excited about it. Maybe it was because I didn't grow up celebrating it, but still, dressing up in stupid costumes? Where was the fun in that? And walking around in the cold just to get candy? Go buy some. It never made any sense to me.
But that didn't mean I was going to be that stick in the mud house that was all dark. I figured I would get some kids, but for the most part it would be pretty quiet, and that's exactly what happened.
So, as I stayed up, I was on the job hunt. I graduated college a semester early, and got a job with the company I was interning at, but unfortunately they are merging with another company, and all the accountants are being let go. It sucked, I wasn't going to lie, but accountants are always in demand, so I felt confident that I would get a job, looking just sucked.
I finally found one that looked promising, so I was in the middle of filling out a job application when the doorbell rang. I put my laptop down and made my way to the door. I picked up the bowl of candy, and when I opened the door, I almost dropped it.
"Trick or treat!" They said together, and that's when I was pulled out of my head.
"I love your costume." I said as I bent down so the little girl could get the candy. "Who are you supposed to be?" I asked and she laughed.
"I'm Ariel – can't you tell?" She said happily as she pointed to her red hair.
"How silly of me." I said and she giggled. "You can take as many as you like." I said and she beamed and started picking at the bowl.
"Whoa Ruthie, leave some for the other kids." The girl said, most likely her older sister who was forced to take her out.
"But mommy, he said I could." The little girl – Ruthie – said and I was pretty stunned. She looked young.
"I know he did baby, but do you want other kids to not have any?" She asked.
"No." She said sadly.
"So why don't you take 5, you remember how to count to 5 right?" She asked and Ruthie nodded. "Okay, so pick 5 more, and that's it."
"Okay." She said. "One." She picked up a snickers. "Two." She picked up skittles. "Three." She picked up milk duds. "Four." She picked up sweetarts. "Five." She picked up a milky way. "That's five mommy!" She cheered.
"You are so right, and I am so proud of you." She said to her daughter as she kissed her nose.
"So, if she's Ariel, who are you?" I asked randomly, and she looked up at me and smiled.
"Isn't it obvious?" She laughed. "I'm Ariel's mom." She said with a laugh. "She was a redhead too."
"Was she now?" I smiled back.
"Yes. She's a very under rated character in my opinion." She said matter of factually.
"I'm Jace, by the way." I said as I stuck my hand out. This was weird, introducing yourself to trick or treaters, but I just couldn't let her leave without her knowing my name.
"Clary." She said as she took my hand in hers. "And this is my daughter, Ruthie."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, both of you." I said. "I've never seen you in the neighborhood, are you new?" I asked.
"Oh no. We live in an apartment complex close by, and she was super excited to go trick or treating this year, and since it isn't the same in an apartment building, I surveyed all the neighborhoods, and this seemed like the best one." She explained.
"Well than, maybe I'll see you next year." I smiled.
"Sounds like a plan." Clary said. "You ready to go Ruthie?"
"Yes! We have so many more houses to hit!" She cheered.
"It was nice meeting you." She called as her daughter pulled her away. I waved goodbye before closing the door and smiling. I went back to filling out the job application, with them on my mind the rest of the night.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Jace POV:
I got an interview! Of course there was no reason to get my hopes up, but knowing that I could potentially have a job after I lost my current one was exciting, and I was glad that I had something too try for.
I was nervous, because Morgenstern & Co. was a huge company, and a competitor of my old one, and without a doubt a competitor of the merged one. Interviewing has never been a strong attribute for me, so I was nervous about going up to talk to the boss.
I made my way into the building when I spotted a familiar redhead behind the lobby desk. Smiling, I made my way over to her and rung the bell, when she looked up she looked surprised.
"Jace, what a surprise." She smiled.
"Surprise is right." I smiled. "I'm here for an interview. It should be under Jonathan Herondale." I told her and she clicked on the computer for a moment.
"Right, you have an interview with Valentine Morgenstern. His office is on the 5th floor, the secretary will tell you what office when you get up there." She informed me.
"Thank you." I said and she smiled, before getting back to work.
I made my way up to the fifth floor, and the secretary took me right back to the office. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in." I heard a deep voice say. I opened the door, and there stood Valentine Morgenstern, all 6 feet and 4 inches of him. "You must be Jonathan."
"Yes sir." I said as we shook hands.
"It's a pleasure, you can call me Valentine." He said. I nodded and we both took our seats. "So, I read over your resume, and I'm impressed. Graduated early, and got a job with the company you were interning for. I have to admit, that was a bold move, I never hire interns." He said.
"They were pleasantly surprised by my skills, and the way my mind deals with numbers." I told him.
"I see. Although I rather not talk to the competitor, I called to ask about you, and they had nothing but good things to say." Valentine expressed. "Which gave me all the conformation I needed." He said and as he extended his arm, probably giving me another handshake, he knocked over a picture on his desk. It landed at me feet, and when I picked it up, I saw that familiar redhead. "Ah, a man who loves his family is a man that will never be poor." He said as I handed it back to him.
"You have a lovely family." I said politely.
"I do." He gloated. "But let me let you in on a little secret." He said. "You never know true love until you've had a granddaughter." He said as he showed me a picture of Ruthie and Clary. "The moment that little girl was born, I was a goner."
"She's very cute." I said and he smiled.
"Anyway, back to what I was about to say. I would love to bring you on board." He said.
"I would love that sir…..I mean Valentine." I stood when he did.
"Great. Tomorrow morning, be in by 7 am." He said.
"Of course." I said. We shook hands and I was leaving. That was the best interview I've ever been in, and I can't believe I'm walking out of here with a job.
I made my way down to the lobby, where Clary looked like she was frazzled. I made my way over to the desk, and I hit the bell again and she looked up.
"So, your father owns this company." I said as I stood in front of the main desk.
"He does." Clary said. "Surprising?"
"Very. When I saw the family picture I was stunned. I wouldn't believe it if you told me." I laughed.
"Yea. I look nothing like him." Clary smiled.
"So, what do you do here?" I asked curious about her job.
"Oh, I'm in charge of the front desk, and I guess the lobby. I mean, I don't really have a title, although I'm sure I can give myself one." She rambled as she gathered papers together.
"You seem flustered." I pointed out.
"I have a lot going on today." She said and I could clearly see that. "Okay, so this place has 10 floors, or was it 15?" She asked.
"15." I told her, seeing as she looked really confused.
"Right. 15. This place has 15 floors and each floor has a main secretary, and each boss and department head has their own secretary. I'm in charge of all of them." She explained.
"So, you're like the head secretary?" I asked.
"Yea. Yea, that sounds about right." She smiled proudly. "I'm probably not as qualified as a potential head of secretary should be, but I work hard."
"I have no doubt." I smiled. "How long have you been doing this?" I asked.
"Since I was 15. But I had to work my way up. I started as my dads secretary. Than I got pregnant and started working on the lobby because it wasn't as much moving around, and than I just worked my way up." She explained.
"Wait, how old are you?" I asked curiously.
"I'm 19." She said.
"Wow. I knew you looked young." I said.
"Yea. Teen parent, not really in my plans but things happen." She said, and I nodded. "What about you? You look awfully young to be an accountant. The ones I'm used too are all so old." She laughed.
"I'm 23." I said, and by the fraction of an inch her eyes widened, I knew she was slightly surprised. "I graduated college a semester early and got a job for the company I was interning at. They merged, all my company's accountant got laid off."
"That really sucks." She said.
"Yea, but I'm excited to work here. Seems like a great environment." I said.
"It's great here, but I know I'm a little biased." She laughed. "My dad can be a hardass but he's fair, and he's not unreasonable either."
"He seems like that type of guy. Runs the office with a strict thumb, but when it comes down to it, is flexible when you need it." I said.
"You hit the nail on the head with that description." She smiled.
"Well, it was nice talking, but I should get home." I said and she nodded. "See you around Clary."
"Bye Jace." She said and as I walked to my car, I couldn't get the sound of her saying my name out of my head.
Time Jump – A Couple Months Later
Clary POV:
Since my run in with Jace at our shared place of employment, he's been a pretty solid fixture and Ruthie and I's life. At first I didn't know how I felt about it, but Ruthie really liked him, and when she was happy, so was I. He was great with her as well, so I had no complaints when it came to him hanging out with us at the park, or going to get ice cream. Having Jace in our lives was slowly starting to become something that I relied on, and I didn't know what was going to happen in the future, but I knew one thing was for sure, I would never regret having him in our lives.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Clary POV:
Ruthie was sick with a fever, and I hated leaving her when she was sick so I thought I would just call my dad and tell him that I couldn't make it in today. I searched around my apartment for my phone, when I finally found it in between the couch cushions. I dialed my dad and waited for him to pick up.
"Hey Clary, shouldn't you be here soon?" He asked.
"Ruthie got a fever last night, and she's been throwing up. I called to tell you I won't be in today." I told him.
"Of course. Take care of that little girl, and call me when she's feeling better so I know when you'll be back." He said.
"Thanks dad." I smiled, knowing that was a huge weight lifted off of me.
"Of course. Anyone in particular you want to fill in for you for the time being?" He asked.
"Dot." I said. "She's been there the longest out of everyone, and I trust her. Plus she won't get a big head about being in charge." I laughed.
"You got it sweetheart. Give Ruthie my love." He said.
"I will. Bye dad." I said. We hung up and I sat back on the couch to take a deep breath. Ruthie was asleep for now, and I had a moment to relax.
Ruthie was in her room for the majority of the day, but when lunch rolled around, I moved her to the living room so that I could try and get her to eat something. It was hard, considering she was scared she would just throw it up, but having something in her system was better than nothing. I was in the middle of making canned chicken noddle soup when there was a knock on the door. I made my way over and when I opened it, there stood Jace.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Your father and I went out to lunch, and apparently it's one of Ruthie's favorite places. He mentioned she was sick, and we got her some real chicken noodle soup. He told me I could take a longer lunch to deliver it." Jace explained.
"Oh thank god. All I had was canned chicken noodle soup and I didn't want to feed her it, but she hasn't eaten anything all night." I explained as I let him into the apartment.
"How is she doing?" Jace asked, and it was sweet to see him concerned.
"She has a fever of 101, and she can't keep anything down." I explained. "It's heart breaking."
"Can I say hi?" He asked.
"Of course, she's on the couch." I said and he walked over to her while I put some broth and some noodles in a bowl for her. When I went back to them, Jace was now sitting on the couch with Ruthie snuggled into his side.
"She said she was cold." Jace explained.
"I don't mind. Whatever makes her comfortable." I said honestly as I put the soup on the table. "Now, I know you don't want to eat baby, but its just some broth and noodles. Take as long as you need to eat okay?" I said and she nodded.
"I should probably get back." Jace said.
"Don't go." Ruthie said, and he looked up at me, and I knew he felt bad, but he had a job. But being the bosses daughter had its perks.
"Give me a minute." I said and he nodded. I went into the kitchen and called my dad.
"Hey, how is she?" He asked.
"She's still sick, but she has found herself a human heater." I said.
"Jace." He guessed.
"Yea, and she doesn't want him to leave." I told him. "Think he can have the rest of the day off?" I asked.
"Of course. Just make sure my grandbaby gets better." He said.
"Thank you dad." I said. "I'll call when there is an update." We hung up and I went back to Jace. "You got the rest of the day off."
"Really?" He asked.
"Being the bosses daughter has its perks, and you're actually a big help for me as well." I told him. "I want to wash her sheets and disinfect her room, but I didn't want to leave her alone, with you here I don't have too."
"I'm more than happy to stay as long as you need." Jace said.
"Thank you, really." I said.
"Mommy, I'm tired." Ruthie said.
"I know baby." I told her. "How about you and Jace go into my room and lay on the bed. My computer is hooked up to the TV in there, put on whatever movie you want, and drink some broth." Ruthie nodded, and Jace scooped her up and grabbed the bowl of soup.
I went into her room and stripped the bed and threw it all in the washer. Than I went into her room and scrubbed all the surfaces, and made sure the whole place was clean. The worst thing to do when you're sick is stay in the germ infested environment you use to get better in.
Once that was done, the washer was done. I switched the loads and cleaned a little of the kitchen. It was so nice to know that Jace was going to be taking care of Ruthie so I could take care of the little things that have been piling up. The dryer buzzed right when I finished washing the last dish, and than I remade her bed, and I was about to go into my room to check on them when I heard Jace and Ruthie talking.
"Jace, can I call you daddy?" I heard Ruthie ask, and I was slightly mortified. I wanted to go in and explain to Ruthie that it wasn't that easy, but I was curious as to how Jace would handle it.
"You're an amazing little girl Ruthie, and as much as you deserve a daddy who will move mountains for you, I'm not him." Jace explained. "But we can be friends. You can still snuggle with me when you're sick, we can still go out to ice cream together, we can still hold hands as we cross the street, and we can even eat a cookie or two before a meal." Jace said and I heard Ruthie laugh a little before it turned into a cough, and I couldn't help but smile. "I'll always be here for you Ruthie, no matter what."
"Otay Jace." Ruthie says, and that's when I decide to go in.
"How is everything?" I asked.
"Good. We just finished Pocahontas." Jace said. "You get everything finished?"
"Yea. Thank you." I said and he nodded.
"Come watch a movie with us mommy." Ruthie said, and I smiled and crawled into bed next to Ruthie. She was still snuggled up with Jace, but I didn't mind. He was keeping her warm, and as long as she was comfortable that's all I cared about. We watched another movie and I couldn't help but let my eyes droop. I spent the majority of my night taking care of Ruthie, and I was going to use this opportunity to get a little shuteye, and it was amazing. Jace was a miracle today, and I was thankful for him.
Time Jump – One Month Later
Clary POV:
Today of all days had been one of the most infuriating and flustering days at the office that I have ever experienced. My dad and mom had taken an anniversary trip for the week, and when he's gone, the employee's act like they've never done their job before.
People were calling out left and right, forgetting to do their job completely, and missing meetings, or conference calls, hell, some were even using this opportunity to disregard every rule possible. I hated when my dad left, but he would be back soon enough, and I couldn't wait.
When work was done, I was on my way to the daycare to pick up Ruthie. I couldn't wait to spend the rest of the night with her, and forget all about my horrible day. She was always the best way to brighten up any sour day, and I needed that today.
I walked into the daycare and made my way over to the receptionist desk so that I could sign out Ruthie. She's been going to daycare a couple days a week, and she really loved it.
"Clary, I wasn't expecting to see you today." Clara, the receptionist said.
"Why not?" I asked confused. "I always pick up Ruthie."
"But Ruthie got signed out two hours ago." She said and my heart dropped.
"By who?" I nearly yelled.
"Her father. He came in and said that it was his turn to pick her up." Clara said, and for a moment, my entire world froze.
"Her father? Was he on the list of people who could sign Ruthie out?" I yelled, completely furious.
"I didn't check the list. He said he was her father." Clara said, clearly scared by my reaction.
"What's the point of the list of you don't fucking check it?" I yelled at the top of my lungs, anger taking over, but fear slowly creeping up.
"But – but he had her name, and yours too." Clara stuttered.
"Oh my god. You let my daughter get kidnapped!" I yelled and at this point, people started to gather.
"What's going on here?" Mary – the director of the daycare – asked as she made her way over to us.
"Your employee let a man come in here and sign out my daughter, that's what happened!" I yelled.
"Clara, is that true?" Mary asked her.
"He said he was her father." Clara defended.
"She didn't check the list. Why did I provide people who were allowed to check her out, if you don't check anyway?" I asked, still fuming.
"This is clearly a misunderstanding." Mary said.
"No, there is no misunderstanding. Clara let a man who isn't involved in Ruthie's life whatsoever sign her out, and now I have no fucking idea where my daughter is." I yelled and stormed out. I couldn't be there anymore, but there was someone that I wanted to be with, needed to be with. Forgetting my car, I started walking, and that's when everything set in. My daughter has been kidnapped by her father, and I didn't know if I was ever going to see her again.
Jace POV:
I was in the middle of making dinner, when I heard frantic knowing, more like banging, at my front door. Not expecting anyone, I put down my food, and went to answer the door. When I opened it, there stood Clary, make up streaming down her face, and hyperventilating.
"What's wrong?" I immediately ask, and she stumbles into my house.
"Ruthie." She choked out. "Kidnapped." Was the next word. "Gone." She said between frantic breathes, and now I was freaked out.
"What happened to Ruthie?" I asked. I led Clary to the couch and she sat down and continued to hyperventilate. I tried to calm her down the best I could, but she was a wreck, and I couldn't blame her. It felt like a lifetime before Clary finally calmed down enough for me to try and talk to her again. "Clary, what happened to Ruthie?" I asked again.
"I went to pick her up from daycare." She cried. "When I got there Clara said Ruthie was signed out two hours ago by her father."
"Her father?" I questioned. "Is he even around?"
"No." She said. "He signed away his paternal rights. He has absolutely no right to her, and he kidnapped her."
"Why would he do that?" I asked.
"I have no idea, but I lost my baby." She cried and I pulled her into a hug.
"We have to call the police." I said and she nodded into my neck. I pulled my cellphone out of my pocket and dialed 911.
"911, what's your emergency?" The operator asked.
"My name is Jonathan Herondale, and my – " I looked at Clary. " – girlfriend went to pick up her daughter from daycare, and her biological father – who signed away his paternal rights – took her without permission." I explained.
"Okay sir, I'm dispatching officers to your house. Where was she taken from?" The operator asked.
"She was at Alicante Daycare." I said.
"A unit will be with you shortly." She said and I hung up. Before I knew it, there was a knock at the door. I put Clary down, and went to answer it.
"Jonathon Herondale?" The officer asked and I nodded.
"Thank you for coming." I said as I welcomed them into my home.
"Of course, the first 48 hours of a child abduction are the most crucial." He said and I nodded. I led them into the living room where Clary was clutching a pillow and crying on the couch. "Are you the girls mother?" He asked and Clary nodded. "Do you mind if we ask you a few questions?" He asked and Clary shook her head. I rejoined Clary on the couch. "First, what's your daughters name?" He asked.
"Ruth Morgenstern, but everyone calls her Ruthie." Clary said.
"And how old is she?" He asked.
"She's 3 and a half." Clary answered.
"What's she look like?" He asked.
"She's really tiny for her age, only about 34 inches tall. She weighs about 25 pounds. She has red hair like me, and blue eyes." Clary said and I could hear her voice shake.
"And does she normally go to daycare?" He asked.
"About 2 or 3 times a week." Clary said. "Normally my mom watches her, but my parents are away on an anniversary trip this week."
"And when she's home?" He asked, as he gestured to the house.
"Oh, Ruthie and I don't live here." Clary said, and the officer looked at me.
"Like I told the operator, we're not married, we actually just started seeing each other recently." I said and he nodded.
"And her father, what's his deal?" The officer asked.
"The day she was born he terminated his paternal rights." Clary said. "Something about him not wanting to be a parent." She scoffed. "I didn't care. I had an amazing support system, and if he didn't want to be in her life, he didn't have to be."
"Do you know why he would want to take her?" He asked.
"I haven't heard from him in almost 4 years. I have no idea why he would do something like this." Clary confessed.
"What's his name?" The officer asked.
"His name is Sebastian. Sebastian Verlac." She said and he nodded.
"We're going to put out an Amber Alert, and put a BOLO out on him. We'll find your daughter ma'am." The officer informed us.
"Thank you." I said and I walked them out. I went back to Clary, and I knew she was distraught. "Do you want to stay here tonight?" I asked and she nodded. "Why don't you go take a shower, and I'll call your parents. Let them know what's going on." I offered.
"Okay." She said as she stood up and started walking. "Uh Jace, where is your shower?" She asked and I smiled.
"Upstairs, third door on the right." I said and she nodded.
"And Jace?" She said and I turned to face her. "Thank you."
Time Jump – Later That Night
Jace POV:
Clary had fallen asleep after her shower, and I didn't blame her. She has been crying nonstop since she arrived, and crying wares anyone out.
Valentine never answered my call, but I didn't blame him. He was on an anniversary trip with his wife, and if that were me, I wouldn't pick up my phone either, but I knew this was something he needed to know. So I grabbed Clary's phone and thought he would definitely answer her. After a few rings he picked up.
"Clary? Is everything okay?" Valentine asked.
"It's not Clary sir, it's me, Jace." I said.
"Jace, why on earth do you have Clary's phone?" He asked.
"Clary is currently asleep in my room due to events that took place today regarding Ruthie." I explained.
"What the hell are you taking about Jace?" Valentine boomed.
"Apparently Ruthie's father came to the daycare today and signed her out." I explained. "The police have been contacted, and there is an Amber Alert out for her, but Clary is a mess, and I told her I would call you to tell you what's happening."
"That bastard!" Valentine yelled. "We'll be on the next flight home. We'll be at your place the minute we get in." He said and hung up. I put her phone down and took a deep breath.
"Jace?" I heard and when I turned around, there stood Clary.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" I asked as I stood up.
"Lost. Broken. Angry. I could go on." She explained.
"I don't blame you." I told her. "What he did was a dick move."
"He wasn't always a dick." Clary laughed, but I could tell it was humorless. "He was really kind in the beginning."
"Most guys are." I said and she nodded. She took a few more steps towards me. "Would you like anything to drink? Coffee? Tea?" I offered.
"Tea would be great." Clary said and I nodded. I went to the kitchen and made it as fast as I could, and when I returned, Clary was curled up on the couch under a blanket.
"Here you go." I said as I handed her to the mug.
"Thank you." She said and I took a seat. I pulled some of the blanket over my legs, and she automatically stretched her legs out, and I took her feet and started rubbing them. "I know you're probably thinking I'm an idiot for getting involved with someone who would kidnap a child, but I swear, I never thought he was capable of this." She said.
"I don't think you're an idiot at all." I told her honestly. "Sometimes people are very good at hiding who they truly are."
"We started dating my freshman year of high school when he asked me to the homecoming dance." She said with a light smile on her face. "I was shocked. He was a junior, and I was just a freshman." She laughed. "I felt totally out of my element, but he was so nice, and funny, and charming." She scoffed. "I guess I should have known he would never amount to what I fabricated in my head."
"That's his fault. Not yours." I told her. "Ruthie is an amazing little girl. It's his fault he gave that up."
"He didn't believe me the first time I told him I was pregnant." Clary told me. "We were going through a little bit of a rough patch, and he thought I made it up to make him stay with me."
"What a loser." I laughed and she smiled a little.
"When I came in with a sonogram, it finally hit him." She explained. "The day she was born, he signed away his rights, and I haven't heard a thing since."
"Do you know why he did it?" I asked. "I mean, not wanting to be a parent is one thing, but signing away your rights to your own kid? I can't fathom that." I said truthfully.
"He didn't want me trying to get child support out of him." Clary said. "If he wasn't legally her father, I couldn't ask."
"But your parents are super supportive, and not to mention, kinda rich." I said and she laughed.
"He didn't want to deal with it." Clary shrugged. "He was going to college, and he wanted no string attached."
"Coward." I said.
"And I have no idea why he would come back now." Clary said as her eyes welled up with tears.
"They're going to find her Clary, and they're going to put that bastard in jail." I said.
"I don't know what I'd do without her Jace. She's my world." Clary explained. I put her tea on the table, and pulled her into my lap and I held her.
"You'll get her back. I promise." I said and I felt her nod. Eventually I felt her breathing even out, and I laid her back on the couch, and covered her with the blanket. There was nothing I could do for her, and it absolutely sucked.
Time Jump – Six Hours Later
Jace POV:
I couldn't sleep, so I didn't. I was on the chair, while Clary was still passed out on the couch, and I was watching mindless TV. I dozed off every now and than, but nothing deep. I was in the middle of dozing when there was a knock at my front door. I got up and opened it to see Valentine and Jocelyn there.
"Where is she?" Valentine asked.
"Sleeping on the couch." I said and they walked in. They saw her laying there, and Jocelyn bent down and kissed her forehead.
"Thank you for taking care of her." Jocelyn said.
"Of course." I said. Valentine motioned for me to follow him, and I did.
"Any news?" He asks.
"None." I said. "I've just been making sure Clary's okay."
"I can't believe he would do this." Valentine seethed. "I'll sue him for everything he owns."
"Valentine, he's going to jail once they catch him." I told him. "There is no doubt about that."
"But can't he fight? Get a DNA test to prove she's his daughter?" Valentine asked.
"He signed away his paternal rights." I said. "Even with the positive DNA test, he has no rights to that child. When they catch him, he's going to be charged with kidnapping."
"Good, but I'm still going to sue him." Valentine said.
"I don't blame you." I said and he nodded.
"Listen, normally I would be very against this." He said as he motioned towards the room Clary was in. "But she came to you for a reason. She trusts you, and I know she trusts Ruthie with you, so if there is something developing between you and my daughter, I have nothing against it." He finished, and I had to admit, I was pretty shocked.
"There is nothing romantic between us." I told him.
"Oh, but there is." Valentine smiled. "She's been guarded since Ruthie came into this world. Making sure Ruthie doesn't get attached because Clary doesn't want to hurt her, but with you, she's not so guarded." He explained. "That means something."
"Okay, well, thank you for your blessing?" I asked and he laughed. "Would you and Jocelyn like something to drink?" I offered.
"Do you mind making a pot of coffee? It was a long flight." Valentine asked.
"Of course not." I said. Valentine patted me on the back, and went back into the living room.
I got the coffee, and made my way out to them. Clary was now awake, and Jocelyn was holding her. As special as I felt, and honored that Clary came to me when she was wrecked, I knew she needed her parents, and I was glad she had them now.
"Um, there is a guest room upstairs if you guys want to get some sleep." I offered and they nodded. "I'm gonna try and get a nap in before I head into work, but you all are more than welcomed to stay here, since this is most likely where the police with come if they have any news."
"Jace, you don't need to go into work." Valentine said. "You have a very valid reason not to go in."
"I know, but I might go mad if I just sit around and wait all day." I confessed. "Going into the office will be good for me."
"Okay, can you tell Dot that she's in charge for the time being?" Valentine asked.
"Of course." I said and I started walking away.
"Jace?" I heard and I stopped right before the stairs and turned to look at Clary. "Thank you, for everything."
"It's no problem." I smiled and headed upstairs. I may only get an hour of sleep but it was better than nothing.
Clary POV:
"He's a very nice young man." My mom said.
"I gave him my permission already Joce." My dad said.
"Oh good." My mom beamed.
"You gave him permission for what?" I asked curiously.
"To explore romantic relations with you if he wants." My dad said.
"Seriously? You talked about our nonexistent feelings for each other to him?" I asked a little mortified.
"Of honey, they aren't nonexistent." My mom said.
"I don't even want to think about anything else until I get Ruthie back." I said and they both nodded understanding where I was coming from. "You two should go to bed. You probably haven't slept yet."
"We're fine." My dad said.
"Oh please. You two get super cranky when you're tired, and I really don't want to deal with that on top of everything." I said. "I'll be okay. I'll watch mindless TV."
"You sure?" My mom asked.
"Positive." I said. They both gave me a kiss before leaving. I curled under the blankets and switched the channel to something uneventful. My eyes watched but I didn't register anything. My mind was too preoccupied to focus on anything other than Ruthie.
Time Jump – Two Days Later
Jace POV:
The Morgenstern's haven't left my house, but I didn't blame them. They were all waiting for some kind of news, and the 48 hours was almost up, and that was causing me to worry.
It had just been a long day at work, and I was headed home in hopes to take a hot shower, and get twelve hours of sleep. When I walked into the house, I heard the TV, and when I made my way to the living room, Clary was sitting by herself watching TV.
"Hey, where are your parents?" I asked and she looked up at me.
"They went out for dinner. My dad had an important business dinner that I refused to let him miss." Clary explained.
"I bet it was hard getting him out of the house." I laughed as I took a seat.
"It was extremely hard, but with enough convincing from my mom and I, we got him." She smiled.
"Hear anything yet?" I asked and she simply shook her head.
"I'm starting to think I won't." She said sadly.
"You can't think that way." I said. "Ruthie is okay."
"You don't know that Jace. I have no idea where she is, or how she is doing, and I feel like I'm dying." Clary said, and I could hear her voice breaking. I was about to open my mouth, when the phone starting ringing. I got up and answered it.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Jonathan Herondale?" The voice questioned.
"Speaking." I said.
"We found her." He said and my heart stopped. "She is currently at Idris Hospital getting looked over."
"Thank you so much." I said and hung up. I ran out to tell Clary the good news. "They found her." I nearly yelled.
"What?" She asked, shocked.
"They found Ruthie. She's currently at Idris Hospital getting checked out." I explained.
"Oh my god. Is she…okay?" Clary asked.
"There is only one way to find out." I said. "Let's go." I said and she practically ran me over on her way out the door.
We got in my car and I sped towards the hospital, I didn't care. Clary needed to be there as fast as possible. When we got there, Clary kinda yelled at the nurse what her name was and we were directed back towards the room, and the moment Clary opened the door, and her eyes landed on Ruthie, everything felt right in the world.
She ran to the bed, and picked Ruthie up in her arms, and she just cried. I almost cried myself, but when the police officer motioned for me to step out in the hallway, I knew I had to keep myself together for a little while longer.
"We found Sebastian Verlac." He said once the doors were closed. "He's in custody and it won't be long until he stands trial." He explained.
"Where did you find them?" I asked curiously.
"He was using a buddies apartment while he's away." He explained. "We got a tip from the neighbor who saw the Amber Alert."
"And she's…okay?" I asked.
"He fed her, bathed her, let her watch TV." He explained. "There was no sign of any damage, or trauma to her."
"Why did he do it?" I asked.
"He wouldn't talk. Asked for his attorney the minute we busted the door open." He explained and I nodded. "Go back in there. I know it's been a tough few days." He said and I nodded. I made my way back into the room, and over to the bed where Clary and Ruthie were cuddled up. I sat down and put my arm around Clary and pulled her into my side. I gave them each a kiss on the top of the head, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I was with my family. I would do anything for these two, and I would never let anything happen to either of them again.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Clary POV:
After we left the hospital, Ruthie immediately fell asleep in the car. I didn't blame her, she had a crazy couple days. Jace was driving us back to his house, and I just knew that I didn't want to leave him. The radio was low, and before anything else happened, I needed to ask him a favor.
"Hey Jace." I said and he looked over at me. "I know I've barely left your house since everything went down, but I was wondering if Ruthie and I could stay for another night or two."
"You can stay as long as you want Clary." Jace said with a smile.
"I just don't want to be alone." I said. "I mean, I know Sebastian is in jail, but I don't want to be alone."
"Clary." Jace said. "You and Ruthie are welcome to stay with me for as long as you want."
"Are you sure?" I asked for verification.
"Clary. I want you to stay with me." He said matter of factually.
"Really?" I asked and he laughed.
"I don't want you or Ruthie to go anywhere." He said firmly. "I don't want anything happening to you guys ever again. Not if I can help it."
"You know Ruthie is going to want to move in permanently? Perhaps adopt you as her dad?" I pointed out.
"And nothing would make me happier." He said.
"And you're sure?" I asked.
"Clarissa Morgenstern." He said. "Move in with me."
"Yes." I said and he reached over and took my hand in his. "Be prepared for the circus that is Ruthie Morgenstern." I laughed and Jace smiled.
"I wouldn't want it any other way." Jace smiled and I couldn't help but smile in return. Everything felt like it was falling into place, and I knew that it was going to be amazing.
Time Jump – Halloween
Jace POV:
"Come on daddy!" Ruthie called from the door. "I want to get as much candy as possible."
"I'm coming!" I called as I ran downstairs. "I still can't believe this is what we're going as." I said as I adjusted by collar.
"She's obsessed with Scooby Doo." Clary said as she fixed my shirt for me.
"Yea, but Shaggy? Really?" I asked and Clary laughed.
"What can I say? You bought her Scooby." She pointed out, and I looked over at Ruthie and her best friend Scooby.
"I couldn't say no." I said and she laughed and leaned up to kissed me.
"Come on Fred, we have candy to collect." Clary said as she straightened out her purple dress.
"Of course my dear Daphne." I smiled and she blushed the way I loved. "Let's go Shaggy." I called and Ruthie ran over to us and grabbed my hand.
"Come on gang." She beamed and I couldn't help but laugh. Clary was holding onto Scooby, and we made our way around the neighborhood where this whole family started, but this time I was holding onto my daughters hand, and laughing with my fiancé, and for the first time, I understood the meaning of Halloween, and it soon became my favorite holiday.
Authors Note:
Holy shit. It's been over a month...I had this one shot started before Halloween, and as you can see, it took forever to finish, and I apologize for that!
I have no excuse except that work got crazy, and motivation suffered. I have no idea when I'll update next, but just know, until my 200th one shot, the updates are going to be few and far between. I apologize in advance for taking such long hiatuses, but I just don't have the time like I used too, or the drive to write as much as I did before. I will finish, I will never abandon this group of stories, but just be patient, and keep all the positive vibes coming! Let me know what you think and leave a review!
Disclaimer - I do not own Scooby Doo, but have always loved the cartoon, and the movie! :)
