Let's Just Lie Under a Thousand Stars

"How many nights does it take to count the stars?
That's the time it would take to fix my heart.
Oh, baby, I was there for you
All I ever wanted was the truth, yeah, yeah
How many nights have you wished someone would stay?
Lie awake only hoping they're okay
I never counted all of mine
If I tried, I know it would feel like infinity
Infinity, infinity, yeah
Infinity." (Infinity)

Chapter 1: Stuck in an Awkward Situation

Jace stared at the girl who held the pepper spray tightly in her small hands. She didn't look like much; wide olive eyes and a very small figure. Her backpack had fallen to the ground and he noticed Raphael appearing from the corner, a ripe apple in his fingers. His dark hair was even curlier than before and his ebony colored eyes were filled with sudden interest.

She tensed and Jace realized her bottom lip was trembling. Was she this scared? He smirked and took a step towards her. Raphael called out something but he ignored him, focusing his golden gaze on the girl. "Who are you?"

Clary managed to muster up, her head already against the wall. She heard him chuckle and winced at the sound, cold, like a cackle. Her body froze and his long locks tickled her cheeks. She considered running away but that was way out of the question especially since another man stood behind them.

"What are we gonna do with her?" The Mexican looking one questioned, taking a bite from the fruit. Clary's eyes were glued anywhere but to the figure centimeters across from her. Then, with all the courage she could raise, Clarissa lifted the mace and saw in horrified fascination as it was knocked away, skittering onto the cracked sidewalk.

"I don't think that's a great idea." He said and there was a glint of savage amusement plastered on his face. She wondered why he looked and seemed so... ruthless.

Clary shut her eyes in desperation and whispered almost to herself, "Please, just, leave me alone." Jace frowned and saw the color drain from her face. Anger began to boil in his own veins and he wanted so badly to punch the brick wall behind her curls. Raphael sensed something was wrong and pushed his shoulder roughly.

"What is it dude?"

Jace shook his head and motioned for them to leave. His friend protested but clenched his jaw when he witnessed Jace's displeasure. The tawny haired man took one glance at the still rigid girl before muttering something distinctly like, "My mother looked at me like that."

The two left and Clarissa cracked an eye open to find no one around her as if it were merely a nightmare. The snow still fell from the clouds in bunches. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. She dropped to the ground despite the fact that she was wearing her school skirt. Her finger tips were shaking and Clary wiped at her eyes. She didn't know why but she did.

The only thing that convinced her what had just happened was real was the bitten, crimson apple lying atop a few small rocks. That, and the burning bruise on her wrist, light but intense.

His words kept repeating in her head, moment after moment.

My mother always looked at me like that. She scrambled up her belongings and hurtled away.

[a/n]: Hi guys! I've decided that this story will have short chapters and the updates will be quick. Thanks so much and enjoy the chapter!

p/s]: Did you guys hear One Direction's new song? It's simply magnificent! I'm in love. I'll stop bothering you guys, haha. Until next time, wanderers, dreamers, and wishful thinkers!