Hey guys! This is my first story on here so please feel free to leave any constructive criticism in the comments! It would really help me out. I hope you enjoy this story!

*Disclaimer - I do not own any of these characters

August 20th, 2016 - New York Airport

"I'm going to miss you so much sweetie!" Jocelyn, my mother, proclaimed as she gave me a strangling hug.

"I'll miss you too Mom." I normally wasn't the type to get mushy, especially not in a starch white airport terminal surrounded by strangers, but I began to feel the tears well up. I knew it was now or never. "Mom. Mom! I have to get on the plane. They're almost done boarding."

"Of course honey. I'm sorry." Jocelyn, average height for a woman, towered over my five foot two frame and wiped tears from her eyes. She was the type of person some would call 'soft', though she was the strongest woman I knew.

"Come here Clary." My brother Jon held his arms wide, a sad smile splayed on his lips. He scooped me up into the tightest hug he could muster. My head hit hard just under his shoulder, sending long red hair up to meet his short blond locks.

"Take care of her. I worry," I pleaded. I was going to the biggest art academy in the entire country. The only doubt that it was the right thing was the nagging knowledge that I was leaving my family behind.

"I will," he whispered. Now go catch your flight! People are starting to stare." I let out a giggle. We both knew that the last thing I cared about was what strangers thought. I was used to strange looks with my small stature and carrot-like hair.

"See you in three years!" I sped away, willing the water works to postpone their appearance. If my mom saw me crying, well, lets just say I wouldn't be going anywhere but back home.

August 21, 2016 - Wayland Academy for the Highly Gifted Arts (WAFFLES)

Wow. So I was really here. It had been my dream ever since I saw that ad on the school bulletin board in third grade. The Wayland Academy for the Highly Gifted Arts was the top high school in the nation. Only about 2% of all applicants get in. I always thought it was an impossible dream, but I started writing them immediately. I heard that the longer they watch you, the more likely you will be to get in, and I wanted to be noticed. I shook my head and reached into my pocket to pull out the directions to the main office. I started off only to stall a second later.

I screeched. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Great. I ran into someone in my firs ten seconds of being on campus. Literally one of the only three people in sight. She turned and smiled. Annnnnd she's pretty. Of course, I, of all people have to bump into a probably popular girl on my first day. Way to make a good impression Fray.

"No worries. I'm Tessa. Are you new here?" I stopped. Her smile met her eyes. Maybe she was nice.

"Uh yeah. I'm Clary. Well, Clarissa. Clary, Clarissa, whatever." I sputtered "I was just looking for the main office." I spun in a slow circle, taking it all in for the first time. The gothic buildings had been given a fresh coat of gold and white paint to appear more modern. There was an old cathedral to the right, and a large line of buildings on the far left. I figured that must be where the classes are held.

"Oh! I can show you." She spun on her heel and took off down the hill. "So wait. What's your last name?" I wondered why it mattered, but thought better of asking.

"Fray."

"You just might be my new roomie! Here lets see." Her voice trailed off as she pulled a large paper from the top of her right Converse. It must be a California thing, cause I'd never seen anyone do that. "Yup! Right here, Clarisa Fray, room 232. They're coed this year though, so we'll also have two guys." She huffed, rolling her eyes.

I chuckled. "Well that worked out well." If I ran into anyone, I'm glad it was my roommate." Or maybe I wasn't.

May 6th, 2019 - New York; Home

I tipped the cabbie ten bucks and shut the door as quiet as possible. I paid extra money to make sure I got a new 'eco-friendly' car to reduce the noise. My mom would be mad she didn't get to pick me up, but I didn't tell her I was even coming home. I sighed and set down my luggage. Three years and the place looked no different. Same wood lined porch with the old white swing. The yellow paint my mom had forced on Luke looking bright as ever. I picked up my things and trudged up the steps. Due to a small dinning hall fire, school let out six days early. Since the school was 8-10th grade, they didn't need to worry about moving a graduation and just passed everyone.

I debated on whether or not to knock, before deciding against it and twisting the knob. "Knock knock," I shouted.

"Who in the world is in my house?" came a familiar voice from upstairs. "Jon is it one of your friends?" Jon rounded the corner from the living room and barely paused as he saw me.

"Clary!" He screamed, just before we collided. He had gotten stronger. A lot stronger.

"Let. Me. Breathe!" I panted as he let go. "So," I asked, regaining my composure. "How have you been?" His strength wasn't the only thing that had changed. He was 15 when I left. Now he was 17 and had filled into his features. He was taller now too, but so was I.

"How have I been? Clary it's been three years since I last saw you and all I get is a 'how have you been?" His face a mask of disbelief and apprehensiveness. It was like giving a child a puppy, and them being scared you were going to take it away. Before I could reply, Luke came barreling down the stairs.

"Did I hear Clary? I did!" He scooped me off my feet like I were a child. "Clary! I missed you so much." He set me down and stepped back, just a bit. He had a bit more grey in his stubble, but otherwise he hadn't changed.

"I missed you too. Is Mom here?" As excited as I was to see my stepfather, I really wanted to see my mom. His face dropped as soon as the words left my mouth.

"I'm sorry Clare. Your mother's away on business. I'm supposed to join her this evening, but I could stay home if you like?" While his voice sounded cheerful, his face told me it was not as simple as just 'staying home.'

"No! You should go. You and Mom go handle your business stuff and I'll get settled in." Truthfully, I didn't mind the idea. Jocelyn could sometimes be overbearing.

"Okay. I better finish packing then." He looked relieved as he jogged back upstairs, sparing one last glance in my direction. Whatever business situation was happening, it was certainly stressing him out.

"Okay," Oh no, "I've been sitting in the living room long enough. Now where's my hug?"