Hey guys! Holy shit I've been gone forever EEEEEK

Sorry for that and I know I keep saying it but it was because of school jskskskkskk

Now that I'm back, I am somewhat free so I will try my absolute best to upload asap :)

Without further ado...let's get back to the story!

Enjoy!

Clary was exhausted, but she knew that Raphael would be ecstatic to see her again. After convincing Luke and Jocelyn, she headed down to the auto shop, knowing Raphael practically lived there.

To her surprise, Jonathan was there too, and they both looked like they were having a...civil conversation? Clary smiled to herself and was content to know the two were getting along.

Their backs were turned, both of them talking about what design a particular bike should have. Clary cleared her throat, and they turned around instantly.

Raphael was the first to react. The second he saw Clary, his eyes lit up and he twirled her around before pulling her in close for a bear hug.

"Hermana," he sobbed, "You're back. You're really back."

Clary beamed up at him, the boy who was her brother in every way. Then she turned her attention to Jonathan, who was still in shock after seeing her. Clary wriggled out of Raph's grip and hugged Jonathan fiercely, which he reciprocated.

They talked about everything, and Clary was at peace. She once thought she would hate Jonathan forever, but now, she truly saw him as her brother. Clary looked at her phone, and damn, it was already 11:00 pm.

Clary yawned in exhaustion. "Guys, I'm tired, I barely slept on the plane. Drop me off at Luke's?"

The boys smiled at her affectionately, and Jonathan went back into the shop to tidy things up. Raphael ruffled her hair and put his arm around her shoulder, slowly walking them to his car.

"It hasn't been the same around here without you Clare." He smiled at her, but his eyes held sadness. "It hurt all of us to see you go, even though it was the best thing for you...but you're back mi amor."

Clary turned around and faced Raph, and hugged him gently before pulling away. "I missed you guys, but it was the best thing that happened to me. I need to focus on myself, and attempt to heal my mental state. I'm still healing, and I will always be healing, but I feel lighter."

He sighed and kissed her forehead, as he had done thousands of times before. "If you ever need anything, you know what to do Clare. Now, let's get you home, you look exhausted."

Clary giggled, and before she got into the car, she went back inside and found Jonathan, who was almost done organizing numerous designs.

"Jon," she smiled. "Let's go, Raph's in the car already."

With that, the trio went back to Luke's house, carefree and joyous.

Days had passed, and school was going to start soon. Jace had texted her multiple times, and she didn't want to respond. The more she thought about their friendship, the more she regretted it.

Why did she give Jace a chance to prove he was different?

She was interrupted by the incessant buzzing of her phone. Jace was calling her. Fantastic. Clary decided that talking to him in person was a better idea, and she ignored his call.

Instead, she called Magnus. When she was at the Institute, she stayed in touch with him. He texted her weekly with updates about school, and Clary felt immense relief talking to him. He was comforting, and she loved that they had a solid friendship.

He picked up on the first ring. "Biscuit! How are you? Is everything ok?" He seemed slightly panicked, and Clary rushed to calm him down.

"Magnus, I'm fine! I just wanted to tell you that...I'm back! Do you w-"

She was cut off when Magnus started crying. Clary tried her best to soothe him, but to no avail. "Magnus, meet me at the mall at 1, ok?" With that being said, she cut the call and flopped onto her bed.

It was surreal. Her whole experience was surreal. Clary lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling and contemplating what she would do next. Groaning, she got off her bed, showered, and got ready to meet Magnus.

After telling Luke and Jocelyn where she was going, they glanced at each other in hesitation. Clary smiled at them and hugged Luke, assuring him that she would be fine.

This time, she called Jonathan to drive her to the mall. He happily did so, and when he dropped her off, she saw Magnus. He looked just like he did 8 months ago.

He spotted her, and Clary ran to him. Magnus scooped her up, and hugged her like his life depended on it. He was crying silently, examining her to make sure she was ok.

"Mags," she said softly. "I'm here and I'm better. Let's go shopping, I need new clothes for school."

Magnus laughed at that, and put his arm around the redheaded beauty. "Of course biscuit, anything for you. Now, I was thinking we can start with those fabulous jeans..."

Clary smiled to herself, knowing that Magnus would go off on a tangent with no end. Halfway through their trip, she saw the people she really hoped she wouldn't run into.

Isabelle, Jace and Alec were in front of them and they were sitting at a bench. They were arguing, and it didn't seem friendly.

She stopped walking and dragged Magnus into the nearest store. "Mags, I can't confront them today. Please. Let's go the other way." Clary started panicking, and things never went well when she panicked.

Magnus saw this, and gently put his hands on her face. She looked up at him, and he smiled at her sadly. "You have to talk to them later, but for now, let's go the other way."

Clary sagged in relief, and clutched his hand for support. He guided them out of the store and walked the opposite direction, and it didn't take long for Magnus to start his usual spiel again.

Little did they know, Jace noticed her and Magnus walking away. He looked down at his phone sadly, and sighed.

He felt like he had taken steps forward with Clary, but it all felt like a ruse.

Andddddd that's the next chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it, even though it's slow BUT I promise things will get better. Please leave a review!