One Hundred and Fifty One One Shot
Community
Clary POV:
Community.
You lived and died with it.
Growing up I never thought any differently about it, but now that I was about to go through the ceremony, and get assigned a community, I was nervous as hell. Either I would be stuck in my childhood community, or I would be shipped off to a community where I knew no one, but everyone knew me.
I grew up in the community that ran our whole society. My mom was the president, my father was the general of the army, and my brother was the chief of police. Everyone knew the Morgenstern name, and if I got shipped off to another community, I had no idea how much my last name would hinder me.
"Don't be nervous." I heard my brother say from beside me. "We're a family of militants. There is no way you'll be shipped off." Jon said, but I always knew that I wasn't like my parents, or my brother. They had the personalities to go out and demand respect and use their authority in the correct way. I didn't have that. I wasn't the confrontational type, and that scared me the most.
"Hypothetically, if I do get assigned to another community, do I get to say goodbye?" I asked, hoping he thought I was just curious.
"Nope. Once you get the assignment, you'll be taken to your community for another round of testing." Jon explained.
"There is more testing?" I asked, not knowing that part.
"Of course. You'll go through another round to give you a specific job within your community." Jon said and I nodded. I guess that made sense.
"Clarissa Morgenstern." My mother announced. She gave me a proud smile, and I returned it. This might be the last time I saw them again, and I don't know how disappointed they'll be once they figure out that I might not be just like them after all.
I walked into the room. There was a small chair in the center. A man walked into the room from the opposite door. He gestured towards the seat and I silently took it. He hooked up my arms to the machines around. With no instructions he flipped a switch, and suddenly I was no longer in the same room where I entered. It all felt like a strange foreign dream. One where I wasn't me, but simply looking at a version of me making decisions.
I felt like I was there for hours. But once I woke up, I saw the clock, and it had only been about 10 minutes. I was unhooked from the machine, and the man started to enter in something that I couldn't read. I sat there in silence for another minute before he turned to face me.
"Clarissa Morgenstern, if you'll follow me." He said and I got up and did what he told me too. I took the door he entered in the beginning. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew it wasn't going to be back to my family. After we made it through a long hallway, he opened a door that lead to outside where there sat a car. "You'll be headed to the Sciences/Healers community."
"Right now?" I asked.
"Right now. Your things will be packed and shipped later today." He said and I nodded. He opened the car and I got in. once it was closed, the car started, and I was on the road to my new life, and I had no idea what I was going to be doing, I just knew it was going to be alone.
Time Jump – New Community
Clary POV:
When I arrived, I was ushered into another room, with another chair. Jon did say there would be more testing, so I'm not surprised that I was here. Again, I was hooked up and taken to a new realm that I had no control over. This test took a little less time, and before I knew it I was being ushered down another hallway. Once I get to what I assume is my final destination, the woman turns towards me.
"Clarissa Morgenstern, you'll be attending school here for the next 5 years." She said and I nodded. "Once you graduate, you'll be moved into the new neighborhood with others who are coming into this community just like you. I know it's scary, but this will be your new home before you know it." She said and I felt like she actually meant it. "Good luck."
I made my way through the door, and I was stunned by how immaculate the building was that I was about to enter. But I was more stunned by what I was going to be studying for the next 5 years. The Idris Hospital was a place that nobody wanted to end up, and thankfully in my 15 years of life, I've never been sick enough that I needed to make a trip out here. But now this was my future, my career.
I made my way inside where I made a beeline for the desk upfront wondering if I would get any more direction. Thankfully I wasn't the only person here, there was a line of other people getting the same information that I wanted myself. When it was time for me, I was suddenly more nervous than I had been the whole day.
"Name?" The woman behind the desk asked.
"Clarissa Morgenstern." I said and that caused her to look up.
"C. Morgenstern." She said as she typed into her computer. It took a moment or two but than she handed me a file. "You'll be staying in Alicante. If you leave this building the same way you came in, make a left, it's the first building." She said and I nodded. "You'll be in the medical field. More specifically, nursing. When you get there, you'll find out who your roommate will be, and tomorrow there will be an assembly, and you'll get more information from there."
"Thank you." I said as I took the file.
"Welcome to the Healing Community Ms. Morgenstern." She finished with. I nodded and made my way outside and looked left. Alicante was very clearly marked, so I made my way inside. I was on floor 4, room 415.
When I got there, I opened the door, and nobody was there, but all my stuff was. I had enough time to wait to see who my roommate was, so I decided to unpack and made my room look more homey.
Time Jump – Two Hours Later
Clary POV:
I was finally finished, and just in time as well, because I heard the key in the lock, and when the door opened, on the other side, stood a girl who was probably the prettiest girl I've ever seen in my life.
She was tall, black hair, dark eyes, and had the best fashion sense I've ever seen. She wore the biggest smile on her face, and she came in with her bags, which made me believe that she was originally from this community.
"You must be my roommate!" She cheered as she made her way in. "I'm Isabelle Lightwood, but you can call me Izzy."
"Clarissa Morgenstern, but please call me Clary." I said and her eyes widened.
"You're the presidents daughter?" She asked.
"That I am." I confessed.
"How upset were they when you got placed in this community?" She asked.
"I don't know." I said honestly. "We don't get to say goodbye."
"Really?" She asked and I nodded. "That's so unfair. I would be devastated if I couldn't say goodbye to my family."
"That's how our society works." I said and she nodded. "So you're from the Healing Community?"
"Yea. Thankfully my brother and his best friend also got assigned to this community so we did have to say goodbye at all." Izzy explained.
"Are you in the nursing track as well?" I asked.
"No, I'm in the chemistry field, but more so when it comes to chemicals that treat diseases, so I need to know all about the medical field so I know about the medicines that will eventually need to be formed." Izzy said. "If that makes sense."
"I think I get it." I said and she nodded.
"My brother got put in the biology field, which kinda sucks because he's in another building, but at least we're in the same community." Izzy added and I nodded.
"What about your brothers best friend?" I asked, just being polite.
"He's in the medical field. He's on the doctor path though." She said and I nodded.
"I'm kinda glad I'm not on that path. I feel like I wouldn't be good at it." I said and Izzy laughed.
"Me either." She said and I started laughing along with her. "My whole family is going out to dinner to celebrate the ceremony. Would you like to join?" She asked.
"I don't want to intrude on your family time." I said honestly.
"I've spent 16 years with them, and you just got separated from yours." She said and I nodded solemnly. "I have a feeling we're going to be good friends. I want my family to get to know you."
"Okay." I said, knowing I wasn't getting out of this.
"Great. We're meeting in a few hours. Mind helping me get my things together, and than make this room home for the next 5 years?" She smiled and I couldn't help but smile and nod as I took some bags from her. I had a feeling Izzy and I were going to be good friends, and for the first time since I left my old life I was hopeful for my new one.
Time Jump – A Few Hours Later
Clary POV:
On our way to the restaurant Izzy was pointing out everything in the community. The place was beautiful, and nothing like the community I grew up in. Gates, and fences lined my old neighborhood, but here there were trees, and flowers surrounding everything. I guess being in the healing community, seeing beautiful things gives you a reason to keep fighting. It made sense, and I was more excited than ever to start the new chapter of my life.
We walked into the restaurant and I followed Izzy towards a table full of people. She hugged them all before we both took a seat.
"Everyone, this is Clary, my roommate." Izzy introduced. "Clary this is my family; my mom and dad, Maryse and Robert, my little brother Max, and my twin brother Alec." She pointed to them all. "And that's Alec's best friend Jace." She pointed to the blonde who looked like a model.
"Are you new to the community Clary?" Maryse asked me.
"Yes. I'm from the Military community." I said and I guess that surprised them, cause they looked shocked.
"Really?" Robert asked.
"Yea." Izzy said. "Clary Morgenstern." She continued and that's when the jaws dropped.
"Oh wow." Maryse said.
"I know. Most people don't believe my mother is Jocelyn." I added.
"You look exactly like her." Maryse said. "I just never thought you'd leave the Military community."
"I don't think my family thought I would either." I said honestly.
"Were you shocked?" Robert asked me.
"Not really." I confessed. "I was always the odd one out in my family. With my mother being the president, my father being the general of the army, and my brother as the chief of police, I just don't demand respect the way they do." I explained. "They walk into a room and everyone is immediately drawn to them. I walk into a room, and I might as well be invisible."
"Well, I'm glad you're here." Izzy smiled, and it seemed the rest of the family agreed. The conversation steered away from me after that, and I didn't mind. I listened to them talk and laugh and I couldn't help but smile. I've never had a family dinner like this before, and it made me sad knowing that I've been deprived of this for so long. Not anymore though.
Time Jump – A Couple Months Later
Clary POV:
Settling in and starting classes was easier than I thought. I guess that's what happens when you're in a field that you were meant to be in. Learning about all this stuff felt like second nature to me. I guess that's why I'm here. I never felt like I belonged in my old community, but here, here I belong. I was walking to my next class when my phone started ringing.
"Hello?" I answered not looking at who it was.
"Hey, when are you done today?" Izzy asked.
"I'm about to go into my lab." I said. "So I should be done at like 9 tonight."
"Ugh, okay. I wanted to see if you wanted to catch a movie, but I'll just ask Jace." She said and something in me kinda twitched.
"I gotta go." I said and I hung up. I shouldn't feel jealous. I really shouldn't, but I do. Jace was a great person. And I enjoyed hanging out with everyone, but I guess I was delusional to think the hottest guy I've ever seen would view me as something more than just Izzy's roommate.
But I couldn't think about that right now. I had a lab to do, and thinking about Jace and Izzy at the movies wouldn't do me any good. I took my seat at my lab table with my partner, Jordan, and I listened to the teacher.
Time Jump – After Lab
Clary POV:
"Hey, I'm sorry I messed up." Jordan said as we walked out of the classroom.
"Don't worry about it. Happens to the best of us." I smiled.
"I'm just sorry I'm dragging you down." Jordan said.
"You aren't dragging me down Jordan." I reassured him. "We all have classes we suck at, this just happens to be yours." I said and he started laughing.
"Yea, but the worst classes to suck at are the ones that you have a partner who relies on you." Jordan said.
"Maybe I can help you." I suggested. "I understand a lot in that class, and in return one day you can help me in class."
"You sure?" Jordan asked.
"Of course." I said. "I can help you tonight if you aren't busy."
"I'm not busy at all." He said and we made our way to my room. When I turned the key, and opened the door I was surprised when I saw Izzy and Jace.
"I thought you two were going to the movies." I said as I dropped my books.
"We are, but it doesn't start for like another 20 minutes." Izzy said. "You're done early."
"Yea well, Clary is like a genius so we were one of the firsts groups done." Jordan said and I smiled.
"Despite his mess up." I added and he laughed.
"Do you guys want to come with us?" Izzy offered.
"No thanks. We actually have to study." I said with a smile. "Thanks for the offer."
"You can go. We can study another time." Jordan said, I could tell he was trying to be nice.
"Don't worry about it Jordan. I want to study with you." I smiled.
"Well we're leaving." Jace said abruptly and grabbed his jacket and left.
"See ya later Clare." Izzy said as she went after Jace. When the door shut I looked back at Jordan.
"Where should we start?" I asked as we got comfortable in my room.
"The beginning?" He said and we both started laughing and pulled our books out. No matter how much I studied I couldn't get Jace's reaction out of my head.
Izzy POV:
I was practically running after Jace after we left my room. I had no idea where this reaction came from, but needless to say, I was confused. Once we got out of the building, Jace slowed down a little but and I finally caught up.
"What the hell was that all about?" I asked. Jace didn't answer, so I grabbed his arm and pulled him to a stop. "Jace, what the hell just happened?"
"Nothing." He hissed, but I didn't believe him for a second.
"Like hell Jace. You're pissed." I said and he looked at me.
"It's nothing." He said again, but than something clicked in my head.
"This is about Clary." I said and he turned away, and I knew I was right. "You're jealous."
"What?" Jace said. "No I'm not."
"You so are." I laughed and he glared at me. "You have a crush on Clary." I said, not phrasing it as a questions but a statement. "Oh this is too good."
"I don't have crushes." Jace said and I just laughed.
"No, you've never had a crush because girls normally fall at your feet, not the other way around." I pointed out. "But you have a crush on Clary, and she brought another guy home." I said and Jace practically growled. "Oh this is soo good."
"It's not funny Isabelle." Jace said and I stopped laughing.
"Why don't you do something about it than?" I asked, more serious now.
"Because she brought another guy home." Jace said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"To study Jace." I reminded him.
"When does studying ever really mean studying?" Jace asked.
"I know Clary Jace, she really means studying." I assured him.
"Whatever, let's just go to the movies." Jace said before walking away. I wasn't going to let this go, not for a single second.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Clary POV:
"I think we've exhausted ourselves for tonight." I said as I shut my book.
"Thanks for the help Clary." Jordan said and I smiled.
"No problem." I said and he smiled, but there was something about the smile that seemed sad. "Is everything okay Jordan?" I asked.
"Yea, you just remind me of this girl from my old community." He said with a fond smile.
"Girlfriend?" I asked and he nodded. "What was her name?"
"Maia." He smiled, this time a real smile. "I kinda always knew we're be separated once we turned 16, but I didn't realize how much it was going to suck."
"What community are you from?" I asked.
"Working Class." He said and I nodded. "She stayed there."
"How do you know?" I asked, knowing you can't say goodbye.
"We had problems with the transportation after the ceremony, and I snuck off to meet with her before I had to leave." Jordan explained. "She's a teacher, which fits her perfectly. She's so nurturing, and loves helping people."
"Sounds like she could have easily been placed here as well." I said and he smiled.
"I wish she was." Jordan said. "I guess I just wish we didn't have to be separated even when we got our new communities. I wish I could still see her."
"I'm sorry Jordan." I said honestly.
"Nothing I can do." He said and I nodded knowing he was right. He yawned and his eyes were falling. "I should leave."
"You can stay here tonight." I offered.
"I don't want to intrude." Jordan said through another yawn.
"Do you think you can make it across the town back to your room?" I asked and he thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Exactly. Let me get you some cushions and blankets." I made my way into the living area and grabbed the extras of everything we had. When I got back into the room, Jordan was already asleep. I laughed, draped the blanket over him and turned out the light. I went into the living room and grabbed my book, curled up on the couch and began reading.
Izzy POV:
The movie was boring to say the least, so Jace and I left before it ended. We got some ice cream and made our way back to my room. Jace had been uncharacteristically silent the whole night, and I was actually shocked that he was coming back to my room after the night was over. I expected him to flea to his room the moment we entered.
As I unlocked the door, I saw Clary sitting in the living room, book in hand, hot tea on the coffee table, and no sign of Jordan. She heard the door open, turned around and smiled.
"How was the movie?" She asked.
"Stupid. We left before it ended." I said as I took a seat, Jace lingering behind. "How did studying go?" I asked.
"We got through 4 chapters." She said.
"That's not bad." I said and she nodded in agreement. "When did he leave?"
"He didn't." She said and I was confused. "He's passed out on my floor right now."
"Studying that hard?" I asked and she laughed.
"I think it was a combination of that, and emotional exhaustion." She said and again I was confused. "He left a girlfriend behind when he went through the ceremony and he misses her a lot." She explained and my eyes darted towards Jace, and his eyes were slightly wide.
"That must suck." I said hoping she didn't catch my wondering eyes.
"I can't imagine it." Clary said. "I guess that's why my parents always told me dating before you turned 16 was a waste of time."
"I can see why they would think that." I agreed.
"Anyway, I'm kinda tired now too." She smiled. "Goodnight Izzy, Jace." She said before retreating to her room. Once her door was closed, I turned towards Jace.
"Studying, was just studying." I smiled and he rolled his eyes. "And my advice to you would be do something about your feelings, and do it soon."
"Goodnight Iz." Jace said and left the room. I smiled to myself as I watched him go, thinking about Jace and Clary together, and I could totally see it.
Time Jump – A Few Weeks Later
Jace POV:
"You are a coward." I heard, and when I turned around there stood Izzy.
"What are you talking about?" I asked confused.
"You have yet to do anything about your feelings for Clary." She whispered.
"Iz, you have to get off my back about this." I said honestly.
"Come on, you two have been getting closer right?" She asked.
"I mean, I guess." I said, not being very committed to my answer.
"Why won't you two just admit you have feelings for each other?" She sighed and I looked at her.
"What do you mean Iz?" I asked and I think that's when she realized her slip of the tongue.
"I said nothing." She said, but I didn't buy it.
"Iz, what do you mean?" I asked again and she sighed.
"I share a place with Clary Jace. I know she likes you, a lot." Izzy said.
"She actually said that to you?" I asked.
"Not in so many words." Izzy said.
"Than in how many words?" I asked.
"Okay, so it wasn't really words, more like actions." Izzy said.
"Isabelle." I warned and she sighed.
"Okay, I just notice that she stares at you a lot." Izzy finally admitted.
"She looks at me, so you assume she likes me?" I asked.
"I'm a woman Jace, I understand other women, and I know for a fact that Clary likes you." Izzy said. "Just ask her out to dinner."
"Izzy, I just don't know." I admitted.
"Why not?" She asked.
"I like Clary. I really do, but I just need more of a reassurance that she feels the same way. I don't want to end up like my parents." I admitted.
"Jace, your parents suck. I'm not gonna lie." She said and I laughed. "But you aren't them."
"Oh really?" I asked. "Because my father cheated on my mother, and in turn my mother cheated on my father and it's been a war ever since."
"Not all relationships end up like that." Izzy said.
"Like your parents?" I asked and she scowled.
"Okay, so both our parents suck, but you and Clary could be different." She said. "Don't be scared because you have shitty role models."
"Hey guys." We heard and there stood Clary.
"What's up?" Iz said as Clary took a seat.
"I get to watch a surgery tomorrow. I'm super excited." She smiled.
"I get to watch a surgery too." I said and she looked at me.
"That's awesome. Think it's the same one?" She asked.
"I guess there is one way to find out." I said and she smiled. She turned towards Izzy and they started talking about something I didn't care about. Izzy was right, my parents didn't have to be my role models, and if I didn't tell Clary how I felt soon, I probably wouldn't, and I think that would be worse than getting rejected.
Time Jump – Surgery Observation
Clary POV:
I was sitting in the observation room waiting for surgery to begin. Learning about all this stuff was something that came so naturally to me, and getting to see it in real life was going to be so cool. I was so engrossed in the operating room that I didn't feel someone sit next to me until I heard a low laugh. When I turned, I saw Jace.
"I guess it was the same surgery." I smiled and so did he.
"I guess we're just lucky like that." Jace said and at that moment someone sat down on the other side of me.
"Hey Jordan." I smiled.
"Hey Clare." He said and I turned back but this time Jace was staring in front of him at the observation room. I was about to ask if he was okay, but than the room dimmed, and surgeons started entering the operating room.
Show time.
Time Jump – A Few Hours Later
Jace POV:
Just seeing Clary and Jordan interact made my blood boil. After the surgery was over, I practically ran out of there. I don't know what it is about Clary, but there was something about her that really made me feel something, and it was driving me crazy.
"Jace!" I heard but I refused to turn around. I knew that voice. "Jace, wait up!" I continued but than I felt a hand on my wrist. "You walk very fast." She laughed.
"I'm 6'3"." I said and she smiled.
"Wasn't that surgery amazing?" She asked.
"It was pretty cool." I said. My whole body wanted to just walk away, but my heart wanted to talk to her as much as possible.
"I know!" She cheered. "I was wondering, would you like to grab some dinner tonight?"
"With Izzy?" I asked, thinking it was too good to be true. Clary laughed.
"No, just the two of us." She clarified.
"Oh." I said and she laughed again.
"Izzy said you were dense." She said and she looked up at me with her green eyes. "I like you Jace. A lot."
"You do?" I asked and she nodded. "I like you too."
"I know, which is why I've been waiting for you to ask me out, but since you haven't, and I'm getting impatient, I decided to just ask you out myself." Clary said and I laughed.
"I'd love to go out with you." I said.
"Good. Meet me at my room at 6?" She asked.
"I'll see you at 6." I said and she walked away.
I watched her go, and I couldn't get the smile off my face. I was finally going out with Clary tonight, and there was nothing else in the world that mattered to me. I didn't know where this would go, but tonight was the first step, and I was going to make sure it went perfectly.
Time Jump – Five Years Later
Clary POV:
It was a rather quiet day at the hospital. Patients who were admitted were all taken care of, patients in surgery were all almost done, and the ER wasn't a crazy chaotic mess. It was nice to know people weren't dying or having a bad day.
I was filling out some paperwork when I felt a pair of eyes staring into the top of my head. I already knew who it was, so when I looked up, those beautiful pair of golden eyes were sparkling at me.
"I thought you were in surgery today." I said as I placed my pen down.
"I had to reschedule it. The patient decided that a midnight brownie was worth it." Jace said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"So you're free for the rest of the day?" I asked.
"After I make my rounds, I'm good to go." Jace said and I nodded. "What about you?"
"Most of my patients are either waiting for an operation, or have been released. I just have to finish this paper work, do a last minute floor walk and I'm done." I said and he nodded.
"Dinner tonight?" Jace asked and I could help but smile.
"I'd love that." I smiled.
"Good. I'll pick you up at 6?" He asked and I nodded. "See you later Clare." He said as he winked and walked down the hallway. I couldn't get the smile off my face as I started back up with the paperwork. Happy I found love so easily and so raw.
Time Jump – One Hour Later
Clary POV:
I was finally done with the paper work, and I was packing up for the day when I noticed Izzy out of the corner of my eye. She was talking to someone I've never seen before, and there was something different about the way she was acting around him. Almost like she was nervous, and flirtatious all at the same time. I lingered a little so I could talk to her about it, and once the strange man left, I made my way over to her.
"Hey, what was that about?" I asked as I pointed to the man who just left.
"That's Simon. He's from the military community." Izzy said.
"Really? What's he doing here?" I asked confused.
"When tech goes down in any community he's normally the one who comes to fix it, and part of our system went down today." Izzy explained.
"This isn't the first time he's been here, is it?" I asked and she smiled, but a sad smile.
"I may play with the system sometimes." Izzy admitted.
"You have a crush on him, don't you?" I asked, and she blushed.
"I think I have more than a crush on him Clare." Izzy admitted. "I've never met someone like him before, and I want to see him all the time."
"It's an amazing feeling." I admitted, but her smile wasn't as big as it was before.
"He's from a different community Clare." Izzy said and I nodded. "Nothing can ever happen." I was about to say something when she sighed. "I have to go. I'll see you later." Before I could say anything else, she was gone. I sighed and made my way home thinking about what she said. Having someone in your life that you can't live without is one of the best feelings in the world, and I was lucky enough to find Jace. But not everyone is that lucky. Izzy is unhappy, Jordan is still missing the void that was left when leaving Maia, and it didn't sit well with me. Something needed to change.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Jace POV:
Clary has been super distant for the past couple weeks, and I didn't know why. Every time I'd ask, she'd just brush by the subject all together, when I would suggest we go out to dinner, or spend our free days together she would always be too tired because of how much work she's been doing. I've been trying my best to give her that space, but I can't do it anymore. I want to be there for her, and help her with anything she needs, and to do that, I need to know what she's going through.
Today was an off day for both Clary and I. I asked if she wanted to grab lunch, and she said she was too tired, and wanted to sleep the whole day, but I wasn't taking no as an answer. I grabbed us lunch, and I was heading towards her house. She needed to know that I was here for her, no matter what.
When I got there, I used the spare key she gave me and let myself in. I made my way towards the kitchen when I noticed Clary was passed out on the couch. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. i put the food down, and made my way over to her. I started to rub her back until her eyes slowly opened.
"Jace?" She questioned, as she sat up. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought lunch." I said as I stood up. "And we're going to talk about what's been keeping you so busy the last couple weeks."
"Okay." She said, and I was shocked.
"Okay? I thought I'd have to fight you just to stay for lunch." I laughed and she smiled.
"I've wanted to tell you from the beginning, but I didn't want to go into it without any information, and I think I've finally found a solution to our problem." She admitted.
"Our problem?" I questioned.
"Yea. This whole society's problem." She explained, and now it made more sense.
"What's the problem with the society?" I asked.
"How we have to be separated from everyone else. Our families, our friends, our significant others. We're literally torn away from them if we get sorted into another community, and I think it's completely unfair, and I'm going to try and change it." Clary explained.
"Wow. You've really thought about this." I said and she smiled.
"A couple weeks ago I saw Izzy talking to a guy I've never seen before in the hospital, and when I asked her about it, she told me that he was a tech guy from the government side of things, and she likes him, a lot, and it sucks that she can't do anything about it." Clary admitted. "She's literally tampered with our systems so he would have to come and fix it. I can't just let her suffer because our system in flawed."
"What are you going to do about it?" I asked. "The system has been this way for hundreds of years, how do you plan on doing it?"
"Well, I went through our history, as far as it goes back, and I realized people chose this way of living, why not change it again?" Clary asked, and I had to admit, she had a very valid point.
"And how do you plan on doing that?" I asked.
"I'm going to go see my parents." She said and my eyes widened.
"Are you sure?" I asked and she nodded.
"They are the only people who I can talk to about this considering my mother is the president." Clary said. "And I want them to see how backwards this society is, and hopefully we can find a good solution."
"Okay. When do we leave?" I asked and her head snapped in my direction.
"We?" She questioned.
"Of course we." I said. "We're in this together, and if you want to change the society, than so do I. I've never had to worry about any of that stuff. I didn't leave my family, I didn't leave my friends, and I met the love of my life here." I explained and she blushed. "But I can't imagine people who leave their whole life behind without a choice and basically start over from scratch."
"I love you so much." She smiled and I leaned over and gave her a kiss.
"Just tell me what you need me to do, and I'll do it." I said and she nodded. I knew this wouldn't be an easy journey, but I was prepared for anything as long as Clary was with me.
Time Jump – One Year Later
Clary POV:
My vision of changing society didn't go as quickly as I thought it would. I had done so much research, but it wasn't nearly enough, and trying to see my parents was even harder. Thankfully I finally got a reason to go to that community, and thankfully they needed a doctor, aka Jace was coming with me.
The hospital has been informed that my mother is sick and they need someone to come check her out, because I'm her daughter, they were more willing to let me go, which I wasn't upset about. It would be weird to see them after being gone for so long, but it got me back there, and that's all I needed right now.
"You ready to go Clare?" I heard Jace ask.
"Yea, give me two minutes." I said as I packed the last of my things. I grabbed my things and made my way downstairs. Moving in with Jace was the best thing that's ever happened, and after we get this whole thing figured out, I can't wait to continue molding our future together. "I'm ready." I said when I found him.
"Let's go." He said and we made our way out to the car waiting for us. Naturally we were being escorted back to the society by her guards, but it was nothing I wasn't used to. This was my life up until I left. "Was this how your childhood was?" Jace asked, kinda reading my mind.
"Yea." I admitted. "Kids and spouses are soft targets for someone who wants to take out the president. It didn't really help that my father is the general of the army and when my brother became the chief of police, I was pretty much the only soft target left, and than I left." I said and he nodded.
"That's crazy. Nothing like that ever happens in our community." Jace said and I laughed.
"It is a rather calm community." I admitted, and he smiled.
The rest of the drive was pretty quiet. When we got to the front of my old home I took a deep breath and got out of the car.
"Damn." I heard Jace say. "You grew up here?"
"Yea. Don't be fooled. It's not that great when you're always alone." I admitted and he pulled me close. Our luggage was handed to us and we made our way into the house, or mansion. Everything was exactly the same as it was when I left. But my family is full of creatures of habit, so I'm not surprised. I rang the doorbell, and a second later, it opened to reveal my father.
"Clarissa." He said, almost like he was stunned to see me.
"Hello father." I said back.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"I was asked to come diagnose mother." I said. "This is Dr. Herondale, he'll be helping as well."
"Please, come in." He said and we entered the house. "She's in the infirmly. I assume you remember where that is?" He asked and I nodded. "I'll let you two be than. I have some business to attend too." He said before walking away.
"You have an infirmary?" Jace asked and I nodded. "So what are we here for?" He asked.
"It's not staffed with medical professionals. Basically if you were sick, you'd be quarantined there, and if you needed some stiches, or a cut cleaned, someone would do it, but not anyone with a medical background." I explained.
"Oh." Jace said and I nodded before leading the way. When we walked in, I saw my mother laying on one of the beds.
"Mother?" I said and she looked in my direction, her eyes wide, just like my fathers had been.
"Clarissa, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"I came here with Dr. Herondale to help you get better." I said and she nodded. Our medical equipment was being wheeled in and I went over to my mothers bed side and started assessing her. "Are you feeling dizzy, or fatigued at all?" I asked after a moment.
"Yes. Every time I stand I feel very lightheaded, and I'm constantly tired. I haven't gotten out of bed in two days, and that's not like me." She said and I nodded. She was the type of person who was always on the go.
"You have the flu mother." I said. "I'm going to hook you up to an IV so hydrate you, and give you some pain medication that will help with your aches, and pains."
"Thank you." She said and I nodded. Once I got her hooked up, and gave her the medication, she was out like a light.
"I guess the flu is better than a life threatening illness." Jace said and I laughed.
"True." I agreed.
"Guess you didn't need me after all." Jace said and I smiled at him.
"I'm glad you're here though." I said and he pulled me into a hug.
"I'm glad I'm here too. It's fascinating to see where you grew up." He said and I sighed.
"I much like where I'm at now better." I said and he placed a kiss on the top of my head. "Let's go inform my father." I said and Jace nodded.
We made our way around the house, as I went to my fathers office. He had more than one, but as we passed a couple open doors, and empty room, we finally got to a room that had the door shut, and I knew it was one of my fathers offices. I knocked gently on the door, and waited for it to open.
"How is she?" My father asked.
"She has the flu. I hooked her up to an IV to hydrate her, and gave her pain medication. She's asleep right now." I explained.
"How long before she's better?" He asked.
"It'll take a few days for the symptoms to work their way out of her body, and probably a week or two for her to get her strength back from being sick." I said.
"Thank you Clarissa." He said and I nodded. "Would you like something to drink?" He asked.
"That would be great." I said and he nodded. He walked out of his office and led us towards the kitchen where I saw Dot, one of my favorite cooks.
"Is that my dear sweet Clarissa?" She said once she saw me and I couldn't help but smile. She came over and gave me a huge hug. "It is so good to see you sweetheart."
"It's good to see you too Dot." I said back.
"And who is this handsome man?" She said as she looked at Jace.
"This is Jace, he's a doctor, and also my boyfriend." I said and I didn't miss the surprise in my father's eyes, but he didn't have any control over my life anymore, so I didn't feel the need to explain myself.
"You've got yourself a good one." She told Jace.
"I do." Jace smiled.
"Would you like some coffee?" Dot asked.
"I'd love some." I said and Jace nodded in agreement. She got us a pot and we all sat down around the table.
"So, how did you two meet?" Dot asked.
"One of his best friends was my roommate in school." I explained. "And we also had classes together considering we're both in the same field."
"That's wonderful." Dot said with a kind smile. "How are you doing over there?" She asked.
"It was shocking in the beginning, but I've made some of the greatest friends, and of course I have Jace." I said and Jace smiled at me. "I love what I do. I couldn't of asked to be placed in a better community."
"I'm so happy for you. When you didn't come back I was so worried about you." Dot said.
"I wish I could have said goodbye to you back than." I admitted and she reached her hand over to mine and grabbed it.
"At least we have today." She said and I smiled and squeezed her hand back in agreement.
"Actually, can I have a word with you for a moment father?" I asked and he nodded. I left Jace and Dot in the kitchen as we made our way to his office. Once the door was closed, it was now or never.
"What would you like to talk about Clarissa?" He asked.
"Our society." I said and he nodded. "I think it needs to change."
"What do you mean?" He asked, confusion evident in his facial expression.
"I think the system is flawed, and I think its time you and mother take a good look at it and fix it." I said honestly.
"What is so flawed about it?" He asked.
"You really don't have any issue knowing your daughter is out there living a life you know nothing about? Having no contact, or even the slightest clue about what I'm up too?" I asked. "That's no problem for you?"
"It's how our society has always worked." Her father said.
"It's not, and I think you know that." I said. "People chose the way our society is structured, so why not change it again?"
"Clarissa, our society works – " He started but I cut him off.
"If I didn't show up today, would you have known what I did for a living?" I asked and he was silent. "Or what about who I'm dating? If I got married, had children? You wouldn't care if you had grandkids out there? You wouldn't want to know who they were?"
"Clarissa – "
"No dad." I cut him off again. "You never had to worry about this because you assumed our family would never be broken apart." I explained. "But I was never like the rest of you, and I was sent to another community. I've changed a lot in the last 6 years dad. You don't even know who I am anymore, and because of the way this society works, you won't ever get the opportunity to. You won't know my kids. My kids won't know you. Of course they'll have Jace's parents, but it just doesn't sit well with me that there will always be a part of their life missing, and it's because of a system that separate's families. For what exactly father? Because I've been trying to think of a reason our society is structured this way, and I just can't think of a single reason separating families was ever a good idea." I said and I left. I wanted him to think about it, and really realize that he doesn't know me, and that it should bother him. I made my way into the kitchen and Jace looked up and smiled at me. "Wanna take a walk?" I asked and he nodded. We said goodbye to Dot and made our way out of the house.
"How did the talk go?" Jace asked after a few moments.
"I don't think he ever really expected me to challenge him, but I think I gave him some very good points to examine, and I just hope it was enough." I admitted.
"Trust me, if he doesn't think it's messed up to be separated from you, he's an idiot." Jace said and I smiled.
"I couldn't be happier with where I'm at in my life." I admitted. "I'm not doing this for myself really. I'm doing this for Izzy, and Jordan and other children separated from their loved one, or even their friends. I want everyone to be able to love their life. I want everyone to be as happy as us."
"And that's why I love you." Jace said as he pressed his lips to my temple as he pulled me into his side. "You're so selfless."
"I have everything I want in life." I looked up at him. "I want others to be as lucky as we are." He pressed his lips to mine and I couldn't help but smile. I wouldn't stop trying to fix our society. This was just too important to me.
Time Jump – A Few Days Later
Jace POV:
Clary and I were still at her parents. Her mother was getting better every day, and it wouldn't be long before we were heading home. I was currently getting some work done while Clary had a meeting with her parents. Apparently her father actually consulted with her mother about her concerns, and her mother wanted to hear her out. I was happy because I knew it meant that they were actually taking Clary's concerns into consideration, and seeing Clary happy was all I ever wanted. She was right, we had everything we could possibly need, and others deserved that same chance. I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door.
"Come in." I said and a moment later, in walked Dot.
"Good morning Jace, I brought you some coffee." She said as she brought the tray over.
"Thank you Dot. You didn't need to do that." I said and she smiled.
"I've forgotten what it felt like to be meaningful around here." She admitted. "After Clary left, I didn't really have much purpose anymore. The house is always clean, and Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern really only eat dinner most days. I got a little stir crazy."
"I can only imagine." I said. "Do you have a family here?" I asked.
"No." Dot admitted as she took a seat. "Much like Clary, I was tested out of my community, and placed here. I thought it was a mistake because military? Me? I didn't understand it. But when I got here, and I went through more testing, they said I would be a service to the president. I grew up in working class. I worked as a waitress for many years before being placed here." She explained.
"That must have been tough." I said and she nodded.
"I had a boy who I was crazy about back in my community. Broke my heart to leave him there." Dot explained. "Which is why I think Clary challenging her parents is something this society needs desperately."
"She's a stubborn thing." I laughed and so did Dot. "I wouldn't be surprised if she keeps her parents hostage for the rest of the day trying to convince them."
"Trust me, that girl will get her way. She always has." Dot explained. "I don't know how serious you two are." She started out. "But she's the best girl I've ever known. Hold onto that."
"Trust me, I don't ever plan on letting her go. I love her too much for that." I said and she smiled.
"If you need anything else, just give me a call." Dot said before exiting the room. I took a sip of my coffee, and got back to work. I had a strong feeling Clary would be gone all day.
Clary POV:
"I'm not asking you to change the society over night, but making an announcement to every community would be a start." I said to my parents.
"Clarissa, I don't think you understand how long this process could take." Her mother said.
"Trust me, I know. I've been trying to get here for the past year to speak with you, but being your daughter comes with absolutely no perks, and I had to wait for you to get the flu in order to come out here." I pointed out. "Why should kids be deprived of their parents when ripped away from the only home they've ever known? Do you know how terrifying it is to be that kid?"
"We wanted to call, but we didn't want the other communities to think we were abusing our power." Her mother explained.
"And if the communities were so ostracized from each other, you wouldn't have to worry about abusing your power because you'd be able to call me." I pointed out. "Look, I'm just asking for you to think about it. Long and hard."
"Your father and I will talk to the committee, but I doubt it will get very far." Her mother said.
"I'll take what I can as this point." I said and she nodded. "I'll let you rest. Your body is still recovering." I said before I left the room. I didn't know how much thought they would actually put into what I just asked, but I'm putting my faith in them that they'll see how crazy and unfair this society is and hopefully make a change.
I made my way around the house looking for Jace. Knowing him, he was probably getting some work done, and he would need a quiet place to work. I was making my way around the house when I heard music. Curiously I followed it, and when I opened the door to the piano room, there sat Jace, playing his heart out. I couldn't help but smile as I made my way over and joined him on the bench.
"You're out early." Jace said and I smiled.
"Trust me, I would have kept them there all day, but my mother is still weak from the flu and I wanted her to rest." I admitted and he laughed.
"Do you think you made any progress?" He asked.
"I can only hope." I said. "I get my stubbornness from them, so I really don't know what they'll do."
"We're screwed than." Jace said and I elbowed him and he laughed.
"Shut up." I said with a smile. "What do you want to do for the rest of the day?"
"Anything you want." Jace said and I smiled.
"There is this one diner that I used to come to all the time when I was younger." I said. "Mind if we stop by before we have to leave?"
"Of course. I'm getting hungry anyway." Jace said and I nodded. We got up and made our way to the diner that I've missed so much. When we got there, I think people were shocked to see me. Nobody ever comes back after they leave. We got a booth and waited for our waitress. "So this is your favorite place to eat?" He asked.
"I used to come here a lot." I explained. "After school to do my homework, and on the weekends when I didn't want to be home alone. Plus they have a mean black and white milkshake." I said and he laughed.
"I'll have to try it than." Jace said and I nodded. Our waitress finally came over, and I can't say I'm shocked to see Kaelie still working here.
"Clary?" She asked, shocked that I was there.
"Hello Kaelie." I said back.
"What are you doing here? How the hell are you here?" She asked. Clearly shocked with my presence.
"I'm here for work." I said. I didn't want to tell her the business of my parents. We were told growing up not to let our business slip, and although it's been awhile I still know that rule.
"But how?" She asked again.
"Sometimes people need to call a doctor, and here I am." I said.
"You're a doctor?" She asked.
"Well, actually I'm a nurse. Jace here is a doctor." I said as I gestured to him. "We'd really like to order though." I said and she nodded. Once she took our orders, she left and I looked back at Jace who had this look on his face. "What?"
"What was that all about?" He asked.
"Just a little bad blood between us." I admitted.
"What happened?" He asked.
"She dated my brother for a little." I explained. "But when they turned 16, he didn't know if she would stay so he broke up with her. She was crushed, and started picking on me. When they went through their test and they both stayed she assumed Jon would take her back, but he didn't, than he found someone else. They've been together ever since, and I don't think she's quite over it."
"That sucks." Jace said and I laughed.
"I would hope that she would have gotten over it by now." I admitted. "It's been well over a decade."
"Some girls just can't move on." Jace said and I laughed.
"Are you referring to your first girlfriend?" I asked and he just shrugged.
"I'm irresistible." Jace said and I couldn't contain myself.
"She almost ran me over with her car." I pointed out. "I would say she was obsessed."
"And I'm with you aren't I?" He said and I smiled.
"Yes you are." I said.
We got our food shortly after that, and just enjoyed our day together. There was something nostalgic about being in my old community with Jace. But I couldn't wait to get back to my own community, with the family I made there. It was nice to be back, and I hope this won't be the last time I see my parents, but if it is, at least I know I gave it my best shot.
Time Jump – Six Months Later
Jace POV:
Clary and I still haven't heard from her parents, and I could tell Clary was upset about it. She had done everything in her power to make her parents see that isolating groups of people just isn't how things should be done anymore. I'm still optimistic that they'll come around, but Clary's given up. I can't say that I blame her, but I saw how excited she was to change such an archaic tradition.
Clary and I were both getting ready for work. Most of the time our shifts didn't match up so neatly, but today was one of those days. Thankfully she was one of the nurses assisting me with my surgery today, so I was going to be spending a lot of time with her today, and I couldn't wait.
"You ready to go?" I asked once I was downstairs.
"I should be asking you that." Clary laughed as she grabbed her coffee. We made our way to the car and headed towards the hospital. Once there, I gave her a quick kiss and we parted ways. I was ready for the day, and ready to save some lives.
Time Jump – Later That Day
Clary POV:
It was lunchtime, and I was starving. I grabbed the best thing from the cafeteria and made my way to an empty table. A few minutes later, Jace joined me.
"Hey, how was surgery?" I asked.
"Went great. He's recovering and he should be able to leave tomorrow." Jace said and I smiled. "You ready for the one later today?" He asked.
"I've been waiting for Mr. Gonzales to get this surgery for weeks." I admitted and he laughed.
"Yea well, he's been sneaking snacks every time he's about to go to pre op so his stay is certainly outstayed." Jace said and I laughed.
"Attention community!" We heard in the cafeteria. "At exactly 8 pm, all residents are to turn their TV to channel 12. There will be a message from the president. It is a mandatory meeting, if you refuse to watch, we'll know." The announcement ended and I looked at Jace.
"Think it could be what I think it is?" I asked.
"Only one way to find out." Jace said and I nodded. I was hoping that over the last 6 months my parents had made progress with changing the way this society works, but I didn't know where they stood, and hopefully tonight gave me the answers that I needed.
Time Jump – 8 pm Sharp
Jace POV:
Clary and I were still at work, but every channel was tuned into the announcement that we were about to hear. Clary had been pacing back and forth for about 20 minutes. I could tell she was nervous, but hopefully all her thoughts, and curiosity would be answered tonight, and either way, it would be nice to finally have an answer.
"You're going to ware out your shoes Clare." I finally said and she looked at me.
"I'm sorry. I've been waiting for 6 months, hell longer for this moment." Clary said and I pulled her into me.
"No matter what your mother has to say tonight, you did the best you could, and you always have me." I reassured her and she nodded. I pressed my lips to her forehead and I heard her sigh.
"I just want everyone to be as happy as I am with you." Clary said and I smiled.
"I hope everyone gets to experience a fraction of the happiness that I experience with you every single day." I said and she scrunched her nose in the cutest way.
"I love you." She said and I pressed me lips to hers.
"I love you too." I said. The TV started making noise and Clary turned around. She rested her back against my chest and we listened intently.
"Attention Healing Community." Jocelyn announced. "For the past 6 months, there have been many changes going on within the Military Community." She explained. "Many changes that we weren't sure would work, and many changes that could potentially change our lives forever, but after careful consideration, it is my honor to announce that our society become one again." She said and my jaw dropped. "We will still go about testing our children at 16, and they will be sent to the community that needs their services the most, but that doesn't mean isolation. Families will be able to visit; communities will no longer be isolated." To say I was shocked would be an understatement. "It might be unsettling in the beginning. We still have many kinks to work out, but this is our future, and I'm happy to announce it." The TV went black and the hospital was silent.
"Holy shit." Clary said as she turned around. "We did it!"
"You did it babe." I told her. "This was all you."
"I can't believe this is actually happening. The communities aren't going to be isolated anymore." Clary proudly said.
"We're going out to celebrate tonight." I said and she smiled and threw her arms around my neck. "But right now, we have surgery, so we should go." I said and she laughed.
We both made our way to the OR hand in hand. Hearing about the comminutes was a great thing, but seeing Clary this happy was an entirely different thing, and I would do anything in the world to make sure she's always this happy.
Time Jump – One Year Later
Clary POV:
My mother wasn't kidding when she said there were kinks to work out, but over the past year everything has been coming around nicely, and seeing families reconnect, and watching Jordan and Maia finally be together, and even watching Izzy and Simon get the chance to have a future together that they wanted so much and couldn't have before was the best part of this whole thing.
I've been seeing my parents and my brother a lot more recently, and although we never had the greatest relationship when I was growing up, I finally felt like I was becoming more and more part of the family, and I don't think that would have been possible if I didn't get placed in the Healing Community. Getting sent away might have been hard in the beginning, but in the end it was what I needed, and it brought me even more happiness than I can begin to describe.
"Clare?" I heard and when I turned around there stood Jace. "You got lost in your head again."
"I'm sorry. I guess this is just still surreal." I admitted and he smiled.
"Which part? Our wedding, or the fact that your family is here to witness it?" Jace asked and I smiled. I looked around at our reception happily.
"Both I guess. More so that my family is here." I admitted. "I knew I was going to marry you for awhile now."
"It is amazing that they can witness the great day of our life." Jace said and I nodded in agreement. "Well, that is until this one show up." He said as he placed his hand on my stomach. I wasn't showing yet, but in about 7 months, we would be parents.
"Have I told you how much I love you yet?" I asked and he gave me a sweet kiss.
"I love you more." He said and he pulled me into him. Being part of the Healing Community was the best thing that's ever happened to me, but being part of a much bigger society is something I would cherish for the rest of my life. And knowing my child would be able to know everyone in her life made it that much sweeter.
Community.
I guess you didn't have to live and die with only that.
Authors Note:
Awhile ago I started this one shot on the same basis of what Divergent, and The Giver are. Communities/predetermined futures. Let me know what you think!
