One Hundred and Forty Eight One Shot
Homeless
Clary POV:
I never imagined that I would be the person who ended up living on the streets. I used to drive by and see these shacks and cardboard box houses and think about all the reasons as to why these people lived on the street. I never thought I'd be one of those people. Never. But I am. I've been living on the streets for a couple years now. It hasn't been easy, but I definitely don't have it the worst. I have a job, just not enough money to afford rent. I'm not addicted to drugs. And I haven't had to stoop low enough to sell my body for territory or a warm bed at night. I just got into a shitty and abusive relationship, and I ran. Far away. I go by a different name, and I don't have a single document that's traceable. I'm homeless, but it's better than what I used to live in.
One thing that I do have is a gym membership. I know what you're thinking. A gym membership, really? Why not use that money for an apartment. Well, there are a couple reasons. A gym membership is way less money than rent, and it has showers and washing machines. Two things that I need, and I can get with a simple $10 a month membership. I never would have thought about it if Dot didn't mention it first.
My job isn't the most elite job in the world. I live off tips most shifts, and my schedule is so fucked sometimes I forget what day it is, but I do what I can so that I can eat, and continue paying my gym membership. I was on my way to work the nightshift hating these shifts. Nobody ever came in at night, which meant very little tips. It sucked, but I was secretly hoping one night someone would come and save my ass. Wishful thinking, I know.
"You're nearly late." Tessa said as I grabbed my apron.
"Nearly being the operative word. I have – " I looked at my watch " – a minute before my shift starts."
"You are always cutting it close. Maybe you should invest in transportation instead of relying on the bus." Tessa said and I gave her a tight smile. I even lied to my co-workers about my transportation because I am that embarrassed about it. I walk to work every day, and it's many blocks away from the gym.
"I'll try to get on that right away." I said and she laughed.
"Alaric gave you section 6 tonight." Tessa said and I nodded. I got my apron ready, stuffing it with pens, notepads, straws, and anything else I might need for a slow night and waited until I saw someone sit in my section. The first hour went by with absolutely nobody. It was going to be a brutal night.
Time Jump – Three AM
Jace POV:
This was the latest I've ever stayed at the office. Years ago I promised myself that I wouldn't stay later than 10, but we've been doing so poorly lately, I'll do anything to make sure we are at the top again, and if that means staying all night, than so be it. I won't let this company die, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure we are thriving by the end of the year.
I had a couple more months until than, so I had to crack down. Not just on myself, but on my whole team. We were coasting for a long time, and it got to our heads. We need to save ourselves now, before it's too late. They may hate me now, but if they lose their jobs, they're going to hate me even more, and I don't want it to come to that. I was putting on my jacket when my phone started to ring.
"Hello?" I answered it.
"Glad you're still awake." I heard Alec say.
"Just leaving the office now. What's up?" I asked as I picked up my stuff.
"Mind meeting me to talk?" He asked.
"Sure. Where at?" I asked making my way to my car.
"Well, there is only one place I know that's opened this late." Alec said.
"Taki's." I said and I heard him laugh. "I'll meet you there." I said and we hung up. I don't venture to Taki's often, but we know it's the only 24 hour place around, and that's really all we needed right now.
I got there about 10 minutes later and entered the establishment. There were barely any people there, but I didn't expect there to be a full house. I saw Alec sitting in the corner, and I made my way over to him.
"Finally." Alec said when he saw me and I took a seat.
"You called me 10 minutes ago." I said and he shook his head.
"Yea, but I really need to talk to you." Alec said worried.
"What's wrong?" I asked, confused as to why he was so worried.
"I need your advice." Alec said, and I was about to respond when our waitress came over.
"Good morning, or late night, whatever you decide, I'm Clary, what can I get for you two?" The woman smiled, and she had a beautiful smile.
"Can we get a pot of coffee, and a large fry?" I asked.
"You got it." She said before walking away. My eyes lingered for a moment, until Alec snapped his fingers in my face.
"Focus. I have issues." Alec said and I looked back at him.
"What is so urgent that you needed to meet with me at 3 am?" I asked.
"I want to propose to Magnus." Alec said.
"That's great!" I said but he looked worried. "What's the problem exactly?"
"Is it too soon?" Alec asked, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"You've been together for over 5 years. It's not to early at all." I said, and in that moment, Clary brought over the coffee and fries. "Thank you."
"If you need anything else, just let me know." She said with a smile than walked away.
"So you think I should?" Alec's voice makes me put my attention back on him.
"I really do. You two love each other. If you want to spend the rest of your life with him, you should do it." I said and he nodded. I poured us two cups of coffee.
"You gonna leave your number for our waitress?" He asked and I looked over at the redhead.
"No." I said. "Not really looking for anything right now."
"You can't just put everything on hold for your company." Alec said as I picked up another fry.
"Look, sure my company has a lot to do with it, but I'm also just not really into dating right now." I admitted. "Not after my last relationship went south."
"She was a nut man." Alec said and I laughed. "A gold digging nut."
"Which is exactly my reason. It's hard weeding out the nuts. Especially the gold digging nuts." I said.
"Think she's a nut?" Alec nodded his head towards Clary.
"No idea." I said truthfully.
"Think she's a gold digger?" He asked.
"Highly doubt it." I said.
"Why is that?" Alec asked.
"She hasn't once tried to flash me her tits." I said and Alec laughed. "She isn't trying too hard. They always try way too hard."
"So leave your number, and see where it goes." Alec said and I was about to say something when he cut me off. "Your company is important, but so is your happiness. You told me to chase mine, go chase yours as well." He said and I shut up. When we were done we called for our check. Clary brought it over and I pulled out some money. I put my money in it and pushed it to the end of the table. But right before she came back a scribbled by name and number. Alec was right, there was no harm in leaving my number.
Clary POV:
When the two very nicely dressed man left, I grabbed the check and grabbed their money. Since they already left, I assumed they were leaving the rest for my tip.
"Holy shit." I said when I counted it.
"What?" Tessa asked.
"They left me a $40 tip." I said as I held it up.
"You made quite the impression." Tessa smirked when she turned the bill over. "He left you his number."
"Damn." I said as I looked at the bill again.
"You gonna text him?" Tessa asked. If I had a phone I'd love too.
"Maybe." I settled with.
"Girl, he was hot. You should totally text him." Tessa said.
"Aren't you in a very committed relationship?" I asked and she laughed.
"Will and I always comment on people we find attractive." Tessa said. "We just understand each other."
"I'd hope so. You've been together forever." I laughed and she smiled. They were so in love it was gross.
"Well my shift is over. You working tonight?" She asks.
"I have tonight off. I'm working day shift on Wednesday." I said and she nodded.
"Well, see you eventually." Tessa said. I waved goodbye and than I was the only one left. It's been dead all night, and I was done at 6. The last 2 hours will fly by.
Time Jump – A Week Later
Jace POV:
She never texted me. It was the only thing I could think about all week. She never texted me. That never happens. And I don't mean to sound cocky, but I've never been rejected that way before and I really didn't know how to deal with it. It was a weird feeling.
Thankfully Alec and Magnus were having their engagement party tonight, so I would have something to distract myself from the fact that she didn't text me for the rest of the night. I was happy that Alec took my advice, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with them. We all wanted to be there when it happened, but naturally Alec wanted to propose in Paris.
The party was in full swing, and everyone we knew was there. I was by the bar with a drink in my hand. Alec and Magnus looked happier than I've ever seen and it truly made me happy. Alec spent a lot of his life miserably in the closet, and seeing him openly love Magnus was something I don't think I would ever get tired of seeing.
"So did she text you?" I heard from beside me. I guess I was so lost in my head I didn't even see him approach me.
"Nope." I popped the p and took a sip of my drink.
"Damn. How does rejection feel?" Alec asked and I pushed him, and he just laughed. "What? At least you know she isn't a gold digger."
"I actually have no idea if she's a gold digger. She probably has no idea how much I'm worth." I admitted.
"Your Jace Herondale. Net worth $12 million." Alec said with a smile.
"Yea, I don't think she knew that." I admitted with a laugh.
"So what are you going to do?" Alec asked.
"Why are you being so persistent about her?" I asked curiously.
"Because I saw the way you looked at her that night. You were captivated." Alec said. "I haven't seen that happen to you."
"Maybe I was just curious about her." I pointed out.
"When you're curious, it's a hook up at best. When you're captivated, there is something else in your eyes." Alec said.
"It doesn't matter. She didn't text me." I said as I took another drink.
"Okay. I won't push it." Alec said before he went back to Magnus. Maybe Alec was right, but I do have other things to worry about, and I'll just fill my head with that for now.
Time Jump – A Couple Weeks Later
Clary POV:
It was getting colder out, which is the worst time to live on the streets. Normally I would jump from homeless shelter to homeless shelter, but this year seems to have more homeless families than I've ever seen before, and I'm not going to take a bed from a child. I would survive it. I just didn't know how yet.
I picked up as many shifts as possible in the fall/winter. It kept inside longer, and gave me more money for blankets and stuff. One day I'll have my own apartment, but for now, I'm just going to work my ass off, and try not to die.
"Hole hell is it cold out there." Tessa said as she ran inside the diner. "It's like mother nature flipped a switch and just abandoned fall." Tessa said and I laughed.
"Global warming at it's finest." I said and she smiled.
"You work last night?" Tessa asked.
"Yea." I said as I filled some cups up.
"So why are you still here?" She asked.
"Michelle is sick with the flu so I took her shift." I admitted.
"You are going to burn out Clary." Tessa said.
"I don't mind the long shifts." I said.
"But you need to take care of yourself first." Tessa said and I didn't even respond. I needed the money, and I needed the warmth. "Look who is back." Tessa said and I looked up to see the guy from a couple weeks ago.
"Shit." I muttered.
"What? Did you ever text him?" She asked.
"No?" I said but it came out like a question.
"Why the hell not?" She yelled.
"Shhhhh. You're gonna draw attention." I said as I covered her mouth.
"Okay, but why not?" She asked in a lower tone.
"Because I kinda don't have a phone?" I said and she just stared at me.
"What?" She asked.
"I don't have a phone okay? I can't afford one." I said and she gave me a sad smile.
"So go tell him that." She said.
"He probably doesn't even remember me." I waved off, but Tessa didn't believe it.
"Well he's in your section, so you can go test that theory." She said.
"Can you please take that table? I'll take any shift you need covered." I offered and she laughed.
"No chance in hell." She said before walking to her section. I prepared myself before I walked over to the table.
"Welcome back." I said and he looked up and I knew he recognized me. "What can I get for you today?"
"Coffee and fries." He said and I nodded. I brewed the coffee, and waited for the fries before I went back to give it to him.
"That's an interesting combination." I said and he smiled.
"Discovered my love for it in college, and haven't been able to give it up since." He said and I smiled.
"I'm that way with salt and vinegar chips and carrots." I admitted and he looked at me funny and smiled.
"Now that's an interesting one." He said and I laughed.
"Don't knock it til you try it." I said and we both laughed. "If you need anything, let me know." I said and I started to walk away when he spoke.
"Why didn't you text me?" He asked and I stopped in my tracks. I didn't want to have this conversation, but I felt bad I didn't have the chance to tell him I wouldn't be able too.
"You want the real reason?" I asked.
"No, lie to me." He said sarcastically and I frowned. "Of course I want the real reason."
"I don't have a phone." I said. "I can't afford one."
"Oh." He simply said. "But would you have texted me?" He asked.
"I think so." I admitted and he smiled.
"When is the next time you aren't working?" He asked.
"I think Friday." I said as I remembered my schedule.
"Would you like to go out with me?" He asked and my jaw literally dropped.
"You want to go out with me?" I asked, shocked.
"Yea. But if you don't want to, I totally understand." He said and I laughed.
"It's not that. I just haven't been asked out in a really long time." I admitted thinking about the reason I'm homeless.
"So is that a yes?" He asked and I laughed.
"I'd love too." I said and he smiled.
"Great, where should I pick you up?" He asked, and a slight panic filled me up.
"Uh, you know where the Angel Gym is?" I asked, and he nodded. "Just meet me right around there. You'll see me."
"Okay." He smiled, and I was thankful he never asked questions.
"I have to get back to work, but I'll see you Friday?" I asked and he nodded. I made my way back to the kitchen and I couldn't help but smile. He asked me on a date!
Time Jump – Date Night
Jace POV:
It's been forever since I've been this nervous on a date. I knew nothing about Clary, but I wanted to get to know her, and see where this could go. I pulled up in front of Angel's Gym and there she stood. She wore a simple pair of jeans, and a sweater. She didn't try too hard, and I liked that about her. When I stopped she opened the door and got in.
"Hey." I said and she smiled.
"Hey." She smiled back.
"You ready?" I asked and she nodded her head. I made my way towards the restaurant, us having light conversation the whole way there. I couldn't wait to see where this date leads us.
Time Jump – Hours Later
Clary POV:
The date was the most amazing date I've ever been on, and he wants to see me again. It was so surreal that this was happening to me. I couldn't put it into words, and I couldn't wait to see him again. After he dropped me off though, Tessa texted me asking if I could work the night shift. Michelle called out, and they were desperate. I was on Cloud 9 so I didn't mind picking up another shift.
When I got there, I made my way back to the kitchen where I found Tessa, with all my stuff. I normally hide it really well, but I guess tonight wasn't my lucky night. I made my way over to her.
"What the hell is this?" Tessa asked me.
"I can explain." I said.
"Why are you keeping all your stuff in the back alley near the dumpster?" She asked. I could hear the anger in her voice. "And don't you dare lie to me."
"Because I don't have a home." I said and her face fell from anger to sadness.
"So you're homeless?" She asked and I nodded. "And you live on the streets?" She asked and I nodded again. "Jesus Clare. Why didn't you say anything?" She asked.
"I didn't want the pity." I admitted and she scoffed.
"Asking for help doesn't always get you pity. Sometimes it gets you a friend who is willing to help out." She said and I looked at her.
"I can't do that to you Tessa. I'm not going to impose on you and Will's life." I said and she went to protest but I stopped her. "I'm fine. I've been fine for years. It's okay."
"But you'll tell me when it's not right?" She asked.
"I'll let you know." I reassured her and she pulled me into a hug.
"Okay, get to work." She said as she turned away, but I could hear the heaviness in her voice. I grabbed my work clothes and went into the bathroom to change. I thought if people found out that I was homeless it would be the worst thing in the world, but having Tessa know, and having her support me was a feeling that I never knew I needed, but was very grateful to have.
Time Jump – A Few Months Later
Jace POV:
I haven't seen Clary in a couple days and I was starting to worry. I tried to get her a phone a few weeks back but she didn't want one, and now I wish that I got her one anyway because it would really help me out right now.
I decided to check out Taki's because it was the only place I knew she might possibly be. But when I walked in, I didn't see red hair anywhere. I saw Tessa over by the counter and decided to just take a chance and ask her if she knew where Clary was.
"Hey Tessa." I said and she smiled.
"Clary isn't in today." Tessa immediately said.
"I don't know where else to look for her. I haven't seen her in a couple days. I'm getting worried." I admitted.
"You should try Angel Gym." Tessa said.
"Why would she be there?" I asked confused.
"She lives near there." Tessa said. "Plus she uses it to shower."
"What?" I asked, confused.
"You don't know?" Tessa asked.
"Know what? Tessa, I'm so confused right now." I said and the look on her face that she didn't mean for this to happen. "Whatever you know Tessa, please tell me."
"Have you ever been to Clary's place?" She asks.
"No. Why?" I asked.
"She doesn't have one." She said and it took a few seconds than it clicked.
"She doesn't have a home?" I asked and she nodded. "I gotta go."
Before Tessa could say anything I was gone. I needed to speak to Clary. I got to the gym in record time and when I got in there, I saw Clary walking out of the locker room. I made my way over to her and you could tell she was surprised to see me.
"Jace, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"You're homeless." I said and her eyes widened.
"How did you find out?" She asked, scared.
"Tessa let it slip accidently." I admitted. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"So I can be your charity case? 'Multimillionaire and CEO Jace Herondale takes homeless girl under his wing and turns her into his own personal trophy wife' yea, no thanks on that title." She scoffed.
"You think I'm dating you for charity?" I asked, insulted.
"Why else would you have asked me out? I'm nothing like you Jace. I literally have no money to my name, and I use the gym as my shower." She said and my heart broke for her. "I didn't need or want you sympathy. Or for you to think I was using you for your money."
"I never once thought you were using me for my money." I said to her.
"But you always buy me stuff, which I'm very appreciative of, but I'm not a material person. I've been in that life, and I hated it." She said but immediately shut up when she realized she let too much slip. "Shit, you didn't hear that."
"Clary, I want to be there for you. You mean so much to me and I care about you a lot, but I can't help, if you don't let me in." I said and she sighed. "Talk to me Clary."
"I'm married. Is that what you want to hear?" She said and I felt like the air had been knocked out of me.
"You're married?" I repeated and she slowly nodded. "For how long?"
"4 years." She said and I took a deep breath. "But you see how well that turned out. I'm homeless."
"What happened?" I asked and she sniffed, and I knew she was crying.
"He was abusive." She said and my blood ran cold. "I couldn't take it anymore. I was his punching bag, and I didn't want to be anymore. I was tired of covering up the bruises, and the black eyes. I wanted my life back. So I ran." She said and all I wanted was to hug her, so I did. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
"It's okay, but if you were worried I was going to dump you because of it, you're wrong." I said and she looked up at me. Her eyes puffy from crying.
"Really?" She asked and I couldn't help but smile.
"I told you I really care about you Clary, and I think I'm falling in love with you." I admitted and she gasped. "There is no way in hell I would ever let you go. I've been waiting for you my entire life." I said and she started crying again, but I knew this was for a much happier reason. "But you are no longer homeless. I don't care if I have to buy you an apartment, you aren't living on the streets anymore."
"I can't ask you to do that Jace." Clary said. Always trying to cause as little problems as possible.
"You aren't asking, I'm telling." I said. "I have more than enough money to help you out, and if I buy it, you don't have to worry about rent. It's yours."
"I've never had my own place before." She sobbed. "I've always been stuck with the men who thought they controlled me."
"I will never try and control you Clary. I will never hurt you, I will never leave you, and I sure as hell will never treat you less than you deserve." I said so honestly. "I love you Clary."
"I love you too." She said and I slammed my lips to hers. She was everything I've ever wanted in a woman, and I was never letting that go. When we broke apart I expected to see her smiling, but she looked concerned.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I want a divorce." She said. " But I don't want him to find me."
"I won't let him hurt you Clary." I promised.
"Can I use your lawyer?" She asked and I smiled.
"What's mine is yours." I said and I pulled her into a hug. "Come on, you're coming to my house." I said and she nodded. I took her bag from her hands and led her to my car. I didn't care what happens in the future, there was no way in hell I was ever letting Clary live on the streets again.
Time Jump – A Few Weeks Later
Clary POV:
Jace has been a true god send throughout this whole entire process, and I don't think I would have been able to make it through without him. I was scared shitless when it came to serving Sebastian with divorce papers. I didn't want him to know where I'd been living. I wanted nothing to do with him, but running wasn't the answer. I needed a divorce and I was going to get one, one way or another.
I didn't know how to feel about seeing Sebastian for the first time in years. He hasn't changed much. He still wears that god awful cologne that makes me want to vomit. He still has the same smirk that makes me want to punch him in the face. And he is still just as controlling as he used to be. But this time, I wouldn't cower in fear. I had Jace on my side, and I knew he would protect me.
We sat on the opposite side of the table, my hands clasped firmly in his as we got settled to start this meeting. I knew Sebastian was going to be tough to work with, I just didn't expect him to refuse this divorce.
"My client and I would like to make this a quick as possible." Alec stated. Thankfully Jace's best friend was a lawyer. "All we want is a divorce so my client can be free of her husband."
"I understand what Mrs. Verlac wants."
"It's Clary." I interrupted. "My name is Clary. I refuse to go by my married name."
"Fine, I understand what Clary wants." He said my name so smugly, and condescending. "But my client will not agree."
"You can't refuse a divorce." Alec said.
"But Mr. Verlac won't sign the papers." His lawyer said. I thought this was over, but when I looked at Alec, he looked determined.
"You know, I had a feeling this would happen." He said. "After learning everything about your client from Clary, I had a feeling I would need to approach this differently." He said, but this was the first time I was hearing about this. "Your client won't sign – "
"That's what I've been saying." He interrupted.
"But it's illegal to refuse to sign, which means you must compensate my client." Alec said and I saw Sebastian falter a little. "Until your client changes his mind, I'm going to submit to the court that he compensate my client for her troubles. Say $2 million, how does that sound?"
"Fuck no!" Sebastian yelled. "There is no way in hell I'm giving that bitch any of my money!" I couldn't help but laugh. This calm demeanor he's been giving off just slipped away.
"Or you could just sign the papers." Alec said. "This will never go away. The longer you refuse to sign, the more you're going to be spending on my client. Or I could get a judge to file the divorce after let's say you pay her the $2 million." Alec was on a roll, and I could see Sebastian getting angrier and angrier.
"Give me the damn pen." He seethed and his lawyer gladly handed it over. In a minute or two he was done and we were finally free. He stormed out of the room and I felt like I could finally breath again. He was gone, and I never had worry about him ever again.
"Let's go home." Jace said and I couldn't help but smile. He took my hand in his and we headed out to his car. I was finally free, and I was going to start living my life.
Time Jump – Two Years Later
Clary POV:
Planning a wedding was something that I never wanted to do again. Thankfully marrying Jace was going to be my last wedding, I still didn't enjoy all the details that were going into it. Especially with his best friend Izzy being a super crazy wedding planner. It isn't her real job, but she takes is super seriously. I loved the girl and all, but she was crazy, and it made this whole process even more stressful.
Thankfully the wedding was this weekend, so most of the details were done, it was just about last minute things that needed to be completed. Nothing too drastic. When I was getting my nails done, when I was getting my wax done. When i would go pick up my dress from the steamers. Every last minute detail was getting done at the last possible second so everything would be perfect. I wanted this day to be perfect because Jace deserved it, and so did I.
I was at home cooking dinner when I heard the door open. I knew it was Jace by the way he was dragging his feet. He's been going crazy at work lately, and he came home most nights exhausted. I couldn't imagine running a company, and I'm glad it wasn't my job.
"Hey." He said when he sat down at the island.
"Long day?" I asked and he nodded. "Well, I made your favorite." I said as I put them in front of him.
"You know the way to my heart." Jace said and I smiled. "I'm so glad this was my last day of work."
"You deserve the break." I said and he smiled.
"I just can't wait to be on our honeymoon, far away from this place." Jace said and I couldn't help but smile. I was excited too.
"Only 4 more days." I beamed and he smiled too.
"I can't wait to call you my wife." Jace said and my heart fluttered.
"I can't wait to have a last name again. One that I'm proud of." I said and he reached his hands over to mine.
"And you will be the most amazing Mrs. Herondale there is." Jace smiled and I wanted to cry right then and there.
Being Homeless was one of the hardest thing's I've ever been through, but second to that was not having a true identity. My given name was laced with too many expectations. My first married name was full of hatred and disrespect. My new name would be filled with more love than I can even begin to describe, and for that I couldn't wait to be married.
Authors Note:
Sooooooo, I might not make it to 200. I might stop before that because I literally have no desire to write these anymore. I'm still on the fence though. I just don't have much inspiration for more stories, and I wish that I did. We'll see. Let me know what you think and leave a review!
