Chapter Nine
Jace POV:
After Jon and Clary's conversation Jon went to upstairs to get all his buddies set up in the extra rooms. I have to admit, I was thrilled when Jon said he wanted to be apart of Clary's life but I was also really hesitant. I don't want her to have to go through the any more heartbreak. I went upstairs to grab my charger when I bumped into Jonathan.
"Sorry man, I didn't see you there." I said and he looked down on me, which I'm not used too but he had a good 4 inches on me.
"It's all good. I actually wanted to talk to you." I knew this might happen eventually but it didn't mean it didn't scare me a little. Her parents already didn't like me, and I don't think I could handle him not liking me as well.
"What about?"
"My sister obviously." He said and I tried to keep my nerves in check. I didn't get nervous often but Jonathan was a big dude and he hits people for a living, you'd have to be insane if he didn't scare you a little. "We weren't close when we were younger, and I regret that, and I know my parents being neglectful really tore her apart, but she told my parents that you make her happy, and you make life worth living, and I just wanted to thank you for that."
"Wait, what?"
"I don't know what I would have done if Clary died. I've always thought that maybe once we were older we would have the opportunity to rebuild our relationship. And when I heard that she tried to kill herself I was scared that I would never get that opportunity. She means a lot to me, and I haven't always shown that to her, and I think I would hate myself if I never got to tell her and show her. The fact that she found safety and comfort in you means a lot to me. So thank you for saving my sister. My parents always thought she was a disappointment, and sometimes they even regretted having her, but when I found out I was getting a sister, I was pumped. I always wanted a sibling, and to know that she got that depressed, it really hit home for me."
"I think you should have a really serious talk with her, because the neglect was only part of the problem."
"What do you mean?"
"It's not my business to tell. But I think you deserve to know. Look, Clary is the most amazing girl I've ever met. And to be honest, I was lost when I met her as well. Even when she was stuck in that dark period of her life she was always the bright spot in my life."
"You love her?"
"More than anything. I couldn't picture my life without her."
"Don't hurt her. I don't agree with my parents, I can see how happy she is with you, and if you make her happy, I'm all for it."
"I wouldn't dream of hurting her." He nods.
"Alright Jace, well I'm glad we had this talk. I'll see you around, and take good care of her for me. I won't be back in New York for a couple months at least. Keep her safe."
"I will." He tapped his hand on my shoulder before he walk down the stairs. I took a couple minutes to compose myself. I knew that Clary probably wasn't planning on telling Jonathan about their uncle but if they were going to start over I think he deserved to know. Finally I decided to go back and join my family. When I walk into the living room I see Clary laughing with Izzy but I decide to pull her aside to let her know that Jonathan might be wanting to have a serious talk with her. When we got into the kitchen I turned around and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. " I had a nice conversation with Jonathan a couple minutes ago."
"Oh really? What about?"
"He wanted to thank me for making you happy, but I told him he needed to have a serious conversation with you."
"Why?"
"Because he thinks that the neglect was the only thing that effected you and if you're going to rebuild your relationship with him, I think he deserves to know." She sighs and rests her head on my chest.
"I knew that he would have to hear it eventually, but I really wish I didn't have to tell him. I don't want him to feel responsible."
"I know Clare, but its better to start off a new relationship with no secrets."
"Ugh, I hate when you're right." I laughed and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you Clary, and if you need me there while you talk to him, all you have to do is say the words."
"I love you too. Thank you for willing to do everything and anything for me. I know it's hard to hear it, and you've sat through it three times now. I appreciate that more than you know."
"I will literally do anything for you Clare, you know that." She leaned up and kissed me quickly on the lips. We stood there lose in each others company for who knows how long before we heard someone clear their throat, and when we broke apart Jonathan stood in the door way. I leaned down and whispered in Clary's ear, "I think he wants to talk."
"Jonathan." Clary said with a lot of hesitation in her voice.
"I want to talk to you. Alone."
"About what?"
"What drove you to suicide. Other than the neglect."
"Well, if you want to hear that story, Jace stays." He began to protest but Clary cut him off. "Jon, it's a really terrible story, and I haven't had to tell anyone without Jace by my side and I'm not going to start now. If you want to hear it, Jace is going to be there."
"Okay, can we talk now?" Clary looks at the clock which reads 2:45 and she looks back at him a nods. We all take out seats at the table and Clary begins. Instantly I can see the color pale from Jon's face. I don't think he can fully comprehend what Clary is telling him but she doesn't stop. She grips my hand tighter at the parts that are especially painful but I rub circles on her back to calm her down. I can see a ton of different emotions cross Jon's face and I couldn't blame him, because I felt all of those emotions the first time Clary told me, but the difference is, he knew the man. Jon had a personal relationship with him, and I think that made it 10 times harder to believe. By the time Clary was finished talking Jon's hands were in fists and he looked like he was ready to explode. "If that man wasn't already dead, I would fucking kill him myself."
"Jon, it was almost 9 years ago, and as much as it's effected me, and destroyed me, and almost killed me, I'm not in that place anymore. Jace really helped me come to terms with it, and he's supported me and protected me, and I may be struggling still, but I promise I'm not in that place."
"Do mom and dad know?" Jon asked and slowly unclenched his fists.
"Come on Jon? Do you think they would have believed me? They barely pay attention to me now, let alone when I was 6."
"Clary, you could have gotten him sent to jail. You do realize that?"
"No Jon, I couldn't have. He never raped me, so there would be no evidence, just the word of a 6 year old kid. It wouldn't have gone far. And honestly I'm glad it went the way it did. I'm glad that fucker is dead. He ruined me, and he died. He got what he deserved."
"Clary." He started but Clary cut him off.
"Jon, I told you because I wanted to start our new relationship off with no secrets. I wanted us to have a clean slate. Please don't make me regret telling you. I want us to have a good relationship. I really do."
"Alright Clary, but I'm so sorry I was never around. I could have done something; I could have been your babysitter instead of him. If I wasn't so caught up with football I could have been there for you. I could have saved you."
"It isn't your fault Jon. He took advantage of me. He took advantage of a 6 year old little girl." I could hear the crack in her voice and I squeezed her hand and she looked at me and smiled before she continued to talk. "I may not be completely whole yet Jon. I still have issues and I still have demons, but I really don't want you to dwell on this. I want you to just be my brother, and treat my like an annoying, pain in the ass sister that you want to tickle until I'm begging for you to stop, or giving me a noogie when I'm making fun of you. I just want to have a normal relationship with you Jon." I looked at Jon and I could see all the anger and frustration melt away as a smile replaced it all.
"I'm pissed Clary, pissed that I didn't know, and pissed that he took advantage of you, and pissed that you felt like you couldn't tell me, but I can't blame that one on you. I wasn't around. But I promise I will be the over protective, and intimidating big brother that I was suppose to be all those years ago." Clary got up and so did Jon and they met in the middle of the kitchen and hugged. I couldn't help but be so proud of Clary. She was so strong and so incredible, and she was all mine. Knowing that she was over coming her past and rebuilding her relationship with Jon, I could just see how much happiness she was giving off and I couldn't help but smile. After they were done hugging she looked back at me and I couldn't help but smirk. She giggled and smiled at me before looking back at Jon. "And if you hurt her Jace, I'll beat the shit out of you."
"Jon!" Clary shouted and smacked Jon on the arm.
"What? I'm being the protective big brother. I need to get some practice in. I'm not used to it!" I laughed and got up from my seat and made my way over to Clary and wrapped my arms around her shoulder.
"Don't worry Jon, I promise I won't hurt her." Clary leaned into me and smiled. Jon held out his hand and I took it. Jon smiled on last time at Clary before making his way back into the living room. I looked down at Clary and smiled. "I love you so much Clary."
"I love you too Jace." She got up on her tippy toes and gave me a kiss on the lips and put her arms around my neck and hugged me. I hugged her back taking in the sweet smell of her hair and I felt her smile against my neck, and I knew that this was a forever thing, and I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with this girl.
