She did come. October seventh. A day I'll always remember. Simon and I had cleaned the whole apartment room, decorated the walls with streamers and new paint. It looked really nice. I took a break off work for the day and was able to cook a feast. Simon had burned the cookies but even that was okay. We still had cake. I had called Jace a week before and the conversation didn't go as planned. I kind of expected that.

"Jace! Thank god you picked up. I've got good news."

He sounded particularly tired. I didn't ask why. "What is it?"

"Clary's visiting. She wants you to come."

"What?"

"She asked if she could see you. I thought that-"

"I don't think that'll happen."

"Fuck you, Jace. For once, just do this one thing for me."

A quiet moment passed and I wiped the tears from my eyes. He answered with an equally regrettable, "Alright."

Clary had even called me earlier with a phone at the airport, saying she was grabbing a taxi back to my place. I didn't realize how excited I was until I felt the beating in my chest. Simon was thrumming his fingers back and forth on the wooden table. She was his best friend. As close as I'll ever get to him. I fussed about the colors of the balloons and Simon flicked my forehead in annoyance. "Shut up and stop worrying for once."

I tackled him like the Izzy I was back at high school and he laughed. I couldn't believe I had caught a fish like him in the sea. The doorbell rang and I scrambled to shake away the wrinkles on my skirt. I glanced at Simon who was sitting on the couch. He saw me staring at gave me a nod that made me grin. Then I hurried to the door and yanked it open. It was her. But it wasn't.

She looked different. But all the same too. I think we both stood staring at each other for what seemed like a long time. I crushed her with the best hug my arms could muster. She laughed and I didn't think the sound could make me happier. We pulled away and with my hands still on her shoulder, I took her full image in. She looked even more beautiful than before.

Her auburn hair was long, down her back, in wavy curls. She had her strands let down and tucked behind her ears. No make up. I already knew her enough. She'd never liked anything covering her face. Her freckles were bright, covering her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. She wore a black trench coat and a simple blue dress that reached above her knees. God, I missed her. She was my sister.

She was crying and I didn't notice that I was too until Simon pushed me away playfully so that he could embrace her. I laughed a bit and invited her in. She brought along her boyfriend and my goodness, he was his own case. He shook my hand politely and talked about football with Simon who appeared excited to find someone he could relate to. He had long brown hair and a cap atop his head. Hazel eyes and a shy smile. They sat on the couch and I brought out wine.

"Oh my god. Tell me. Everything." I said, sipping the red liquid quickly from my glass.

She laughed and the closeness of her boyfriend made me sad. It used to be Jace. I shook away the feeling just as it came. "I got my paintings sold and made money. Then I met Jordon here. The end."

I punched her and she yelped. "Oh, come on! There's more to it than that."

We talked more and more. I thought our time couldn't possibly end. Jordon was really interested in football. He had played college football for a few years. He was waiting for a call up apparently. It was weird, actually. Jace played hockey and Jordon played football. Maybe Clary liked the sporty type. Simon was bringing out snacks as he called them in to the dining room. As we were walking there, Clary leaned into my ear and whispered, her voice excited, "He's a cutey, isn't he?"

I smiled. "Whatever. I already got Si." She shrugged happily and sat at the table.

"This looks great." Jordon said, staring at the pasta and the chicken. That was my secret recipe. They dug into their plates like animals and I had to ask the last time they had a meal. Clary raised her six fingers. Six hours. I loaded up more food just in case they weren't satisfied. It felt so right. Seeing her here. Happy. Content. Door bell again.

I rush to the door and see Jace. He's standing in his jersey, shoulder pads still on. Looking massive. He gave me an apologetic smile. Tired. "Just finished practice. Couldn't change." I couldn't care less and kissed him on the cheek. Now this was perfect. His hair was still long and tawny, eyes still molten gold. My brother was here. I led him to the table and the recognition of Clary seemed to hit him like a pile of bricks. His lips parted and she rose from her seat and hugged him. A proper hug. Not a hug that was between former lovers. She glanced at his attire. She grinned. "I hear someone's getting more points than usual in the season."

He looked too surprised to answer and she sat back down, whispering something to Jordon who greeted Jace afterwards. Simon gave a shake of his head to Jace. They weren't much for friends anyway. I stared at him. He didn't look at anyone for a while. Picked at the pasta and swallowed. It was strange. Seeing him so quiet. I kept the conversation going though, ignoring his silence. After about twenty minutes, I told everyone to go back to the living room. Dessert was still being made. Simon helped with the frosting although his glasses fell in the gunk about twice. I love this idiot.

[x]

She looked like a movie star. Right in front of me. How could she still give me a hug? I couldn't believe that she kept tabs on the league. And then that guy. He looked nice enough. She liked him, I think. I could tell she was happy. Her hair was longer, I realized. She was just amazing even if I didn't have feelings for her anymore. Still.

I told the group I'd be out for a few minutes to get rid of the hockey gear I was wearing. I sauntered up the stairwell of the apartment complex and reached the outdoor balcony. The wind was cold and I hadn't bothered with a jacket. My phone buzzed. A message from Raphael. It read:

Team bus is leaving at midnight. Be there, bro. Need to practice early.

I released a breath. I shook away the white pads from my shoulders and removed the leg pads too. Then I stared down at the city. At the small flashing lights. And the ant sized people. "It's a small world, right?"

I didn't even need to turn. "Sure is." I replied.

She walked towards the bars of the balcony. Still shorter than ever. "I'm sorry." She said, her lips pursed.

I squinted my eyes to look at her. "For what?"

"For making your life a living hell."

I laughed. "It still is a living hell." That made her smile.

"That's good. At least I'm not the cause of it."

I shook my head and grabbed the equipment from the ground. She picked up my helmet. We climbed back to Isabelle's room and it almost felt like we were together again. Almost.