Hey guys! I'm sorry for not updating, but it's been hectic with my school schedule and I just haven't been super inspired. I'd rather give fewer chapters I can be proud of than lots of uninspired rambles.

That being said, please ignore the weird football season timing, it's just gunna happen.

October 29, 2016 - WAFFLES; JcPenney

"Blue or green?" It had only been a few hours since Will asked me to homecoming, and Tessa had already drug me out shopping. We were currently inside a JcPenney looking at their fanciest dresses.

"Definitely green!" Tessa reminded me of Izzy in only one way, she was a fashion expert. She knew exactly what color matches your skin and makes your eyes pop. She could tell you the most flattering cut of an item make you look your best. Izzy would have loved her.

"Are you sure it's not too, I don't know, REVEALING?" It was a skin tight, light green dress that ended just above mid-thigh. The neckline was a low V that showed a lot of skin.

"With the right makeup and accessories, no one will see the dress, just you. And no, it's not too revealing, I think Will is going to love it."

"That's not at all what I asked." I facepalmed. Of course Tessa would be thinking about what Will would want. I didn't mind the dress, but I'd rather go for something knee length with a high neckline. "Lets just go get shoes."

October 30, 2016 - WAFFLES; Clary and Tessa's Room

"Hurry up Tessa! The boys will be here soon." Tessa had been doing my hair and makeup for the past hour. She wouldn't let me do it myself, and she had gone all out.

"Oh shh Clary. You can't rush perfection! Trust me, when I get done you'll be glad you let me do this." I didn't let her do anything, and I made sure she knew it. "There I'm done." She walked me to our floor length mirror.

"Wow, I look, not like me." I laughed. I did look like me, but not exactly. My eyes shone and my hair sparkled. My cheekbones had never been more prominent. "I love it. Thank you."

"You're very welcome." Tessa beamed. Clary opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a single loud knock on the door.

"Your dates have arrived." Sebastian and Will walked in without permission. Will joined me at the mirror. "You look, great. Really great."

"Thanks. You too." My efforts not to blush were in vain. "All ready to head out?" I was starving and our dinner reservations were in ten minutes.

May 20, 2019 New York; School Parking Lot

It was customary that after every football game, especially a win, all the students would meet in the school parking lot to party. Clary being a cheerleader was expected to attend, though she hated parties. Three hundred students all together drinking and vaping was not her idea of fun. Clary, Izzy, Jace, and Jon all attended regularly as a group.

"Iz, you should come dance with me," Jon called loudly over the music before leading her away. Neither of them had acknowledged it, but Clary had a sneaking suspicion there was something more going on with them. She made a mental note to ask Izzy later.

Clary glanced over the rim of her cup at Jace. He had been strangely distant since the moment Will came to her home. She hadn't talked to him about it yet, and figured now was as good of a time as ever.

"Jace?"

"Yeah Clary?"

"Can we talk? About Will?" Jace tensed.

"What's there to say? He's my cousin. I don't know him very well so if you're looking for ways to get with him again I can't help you." He turned away. The edge on his voice was palpable.

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

He sighed. "I'm just mad at myself okay?" His words trailed into a whisper, inaudible in the packed lot.

"Can we go somewhere else and talk. I'm ready to leave anyway." The four of us had taken two cars so we could leave at anytime.

"Okay," was all he said as he climbed into the driver's seat of his truck.

The house was empty when we arrived, as both Mom and Luke were away on business. Again. We joined each other in the living room to chat, sitting on opposite ends of the sofa.

I felt that being honest was the only way to get him to open up."I know there's something bothering you and it all started when Will came over. I can;t help but think this is my fault." Jace looked up, his expression shocked.

"Clary, none of this is your fault." He said it with such urgency I almost believed him.

"Then who's fault is it? I brought Will here and obviously you two don't get along well. I should have known."

"You couldn't have known. You couldn't have known anything." He looked at me with pity, not for me, but for himself. "Did you know he's coming for a visit?"

I did know. Will and I had been talking about it for months. Him and Tessa were coming up to see us and I couldn't wait to introduce them to my friends. "Yes I do know. I'm not sure it's the best idea though. I don't want you two to get mad at each other."

"Don't postpone seeing him because of me. I want you to be happy." He almost sounded sad. Like he was giving something up. "I'm going to bed now. I'll see you in the morning." With that, he stood up and left, leaving Clary alone with her thoughts.