Hey, everyone! I have a new, longer chapter for you! Yay! Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites last week. We're over 200 reviews now! I can't believe it! I love you guys so much! As far as last weeks question: I'm like most of you guys, in which I like to actually physically read books better. I kind of zone out when I listen to them and get distracted, so I can only listen to books I've read before. However, I have a friend who can only listen to books. Well, I mean, she can read, she isn't illiterate lol. She just likes listening to books way better. Isn't that interesting?

Disclaimer: I am in no way, shape or form the talented Cassandra Clare, and therefore do not own The Mortal Instruments.

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Chapter 12:

My hands were shaking. God, why wouldn't they stop shaking? I could actually hear the coffee in my mug splash around as I brought it to my lips.

"Jace," Alec said, resting a firm hand on my shoulder. "It'll be okay. You heard what Mom and Dad said."

I set my mug down and shook my head. I've learned over the years that just because something is said, doesn't mean it is meant. But I wouldn't say that to Alec – they were his parents. Instead, I addressed him and Isabelle, who was munching on toast across from me. "Which one of you is getting Clary?"

I always drove Clary to school because her house is on the way, but since I had to go in early and speak to the principal, I couldn't give her a ride. Normally, Clary would just drive herself and this wouldn't be a problem, but her car was in the shop because she naively went way too long between oil changes.

"Simon said he was going to pick her up before he came to get me," Izzy said.

I nodded. "Good. Thank you."

We were all quiet for a few moments, the silence only interrupted when we heard Maryse and Robert's footsteps coming down the stairs.

I stood and put my mug in the sink. "That's my cue."

"Jace, wait." I turned back to face Izzy. She wrapped her long arms around me tightly. "We believe in you, and deep down, Mom and Dad do too," she whispered before she let me go.

I gave her a sad smile. "Thank you, Izzy. I'll see you guys at lunch."

I walked out of the kitchen, ruffling the hair of a sleepy looking Max as I walked past. Robert and Maryse were waiting in the doorway. "We're driving separate, right?" I asked.

Robert nodded. "Yes. If you're ready, we'll leave now and meet you there."

I grabbed my backpack and followed them out the door. They pulled out first, and I was right behind them. My fingers tapped nervously across the steering wheel. I couldn't get expelled. I'd have to go to a different school. I couldn't see Alec and Izzy during the day. I wouldn't have Clary there for me. Clary's what got me through the day. If my day was turning to shit, she was there to make me laugh and feel better. I loved walking down the hallway and seeing various art projects of hers throughout the display cases. I loved teasing her and smiling at her throughout the day.

I'd miss Magnus, seeing how happy he made Alec. He had this way to bring out this side of everyone, this brighter more outgoing side. He and Izzy would talk about fashion, Clary about art, even Simon about his secret love of comic books. I would probably barely see him if I went to another school. I would even miss Simon.

I couldn't get expelled. I couldn't.

I took a few deep breaths before I got out of my car and followed Maryse and Robert through the main entrance of the school. They didn't speak to me until we were just outside the office of Principal Jeremiah. "Let us do the talking, please," Maryse hissed.

I nodded. Jeremiah's office was just like you would expect a principal's office to be: everything was stiff and harsh looking. Even the décor that represented our school's mascot didn't eek out one drop of school spirit. Everything other than the occasional flag or work of student art was black, white, or a shade of gray somewhere in between.

Meliorn and his parents were already sitting down in chairs that looked plush, but surely weren't when we walked in. Anger boiled my blood when I saw him, and I felt no sympathy for his bandages and bruises. He didn't look sorry or reproachful in the least. In fact, he looked angry and even a bit smug. To keep myself from hitting him again, I dragged my gaze from him and let it land on his parents. That wasn't much better. Both of their deep blue eyes burned into me with such pure fury that I had to shrink away from their gaze.

Robert slung an arm around my shoulder. "Look confident, Jace," he whispered in my ear, too quiet for anyone else to overhear. "It makes you look more innocent."

I nodded and stood up straighter, keeping my chin in the air. Though, I did make a point to avoid Meliorn's parents' gaze from that point forward.

Principal Jeremiah had risen upon our entrance. "Mr. and Mrs. Lightwood. Thank you for joining us." He was a soft-spoken man. He was tall and thin, with a cleanly shaven head. His eyes were kind and had a quality about them that made them seem simultaneously young and as wise as an old man. I actually kind of liked him. "Please," he said, gesturing to the vacant chairs opposite his desk, "sit."

Principal Jeremiah sat only once all three of us were seated. He took a moment to look over his report from Mr. Graymark. Then he took another moment to look between all of our faces. Finally, he sat back and clasped his hands together on his large, wooden desk. "I would like it if you would both tell your side of the story with as little bias as possible. Parents, please refrain from joining in the discussion at this point, and boys please do not speak until it is your turn." He looked between me and Meliorn. "Understood?" We both nodded. "Good. Meliorn, please go first."

Meliorn shifted and then winced theatrically, as though he were in pain. I almost rolled my eyes. "Well, Principal Jeremiah, I was leaving school for the day when all of the sudden, Jace came out of nowhere and started shouting at me. I tried to calmly resolve the situation, but then his little ginger girlfriend-"

Principal Jeremiah cut him off, and I growled lowly. "Meliorn. Please, no bias."

A muscle twitched in Meliorn's jaw. "Of course. Sorry. Anyway, Clary came up and started to join in on the shouting. I tried to get them both to calm down, but they were too much. Then, out of nowhere, Clary slapped me across the face. I brought my hands up in a "don't shoot" gesture. I'm not sure, of course, but perhaps Jace misunderstood the gesture?" He glanced at me but I refused to move my eyes from where they rested on the painting above Principal Jeremiah's head. I was gripping the arms of the chair so tight, I feared they may break off. "Who knows, but Jace then shoved me and started beating me up. Soon, I was unconscious."

Principal Jeremiah was scribbling down notes. "And when you say, 'Clary' you are referring to Miss Fray, correct?"

Meliorn nodded. "Yes, sir." Kiss ass.

Principal Jeremiah finished his notes and turned to me. "Okay, Jace. Your turn."

I glanced at Robert and Maryse. They looked furious. They believed my side of the story so wholeheartedly that they were livid about Meliorn's web of bullshit. Robert gave me an encouraging nod. Emotions swelled in my chest as I turned to Principal Jeremiah. "Thank you. I'm sure you'll come to realize my side of the story is a bit different. You see, Clary is a very close friend of mine. So when school let out, she confided in me that a boy had slapped her butt without her permission, and that said boy was Meliorn. Now, Clary had never once made up a story or lied to me, so I had no reason to not believe her. At that moment, I saw Meliorn walking out of the building. Wanting to defend my best friend and make sure he never touched her without consent again, I walked over to him. Yes, I will admit, my voice was raised. I was angry and he knew why I was angry. He admitted to what he had done, and it was clear he wasn't sorry about it. He then continued to insult Clary, and that tested my patience too much. I raised my hand like I was going to hit him, but Clary came then and stopped me before I could. Then, Meliorn threatened me, and continued to demean Clary and make remarks about, 'taking her back to his place'. Clary was insulted, so she slapped him." I clenched my fist and took a deep breath. I couldn't lose my cool. "Meliorn then proceeded to backhand Clary so hard that she fell to the ground. I knew Clary could never protect herself against him, and I lost my cool. I pushed him to the ground and punched him repeatedly until he blacked out."

Everyone was silent for a few moments. Meliorn broke the silence by scoffing. Scoffing! He was actually laughing at my story, which, by the way, was the truth.

Principal Jeremiah turned to him. "That is enough, Meliorn." Back to me. "Thank you, Jace. Parents, do you have anything you would like to add?"

Meliorn's mother spoke up first. "It sounds to me like this little Clary girl should be getting in trouble as well, considering she started it all." My teeth ground together so tightly I was shocked they didn't turn to dust.

Merliorn's dad nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. Also, regardless of whether or not there is any validity to Jace's story, he will be punished for sending our son to the hospital, will he not?"

Principal Jeremiah looked at him coolly. "All guilty parties will be punished, I can assure you of that." He turned to Maryse and Robert. "Do you have anything you would like to add?"

Robert shot me an apologetic look before speaking. "I think it would be a good idea to bring Clary in and get her side of the story as well. She could act as another witness."

"No!" I shot out of my seat.

Maryse gave me a stern look. "Jace," she hissed.

I crossed my arms. "Clary is not getting involved in this. She did nothing wrong!" I turned to Principal Jeremiah. "Please. You know her. She's a good girl! She isn't at fault here."

Principal Jeremiah gave me a sympathetic look. "Please sit, Jace." I sat. "I think if anything has become crystal clear this morning it is that you are fiercely protective of those you love, and I cannot fault you for that. However, I do believe it would be beneficial to bring in Miss Fray and hear her side of the story as well."

I put my head in my hands and tugged on my hair. I felt Maryse's hand rest on my back, but I didn't raise my head.

"The students should be here by now. I'll have my secretary call her down." I heard a beep and then Principal Jeremiah asked someone – his secretary, I assume – to do just that. A few seconds later an announcement came on overhead. Clary Fray to Principal Jeremiah's office. Clary Fray to Principal Jeremiah's office. Thank you. I tugged on my hair even harder.

We were all silent for the two minutes it took for the door to open. Maryse's hand stayed on my back the entire time. I jumped out of my seat as soon I heard the door click open. Clary walked in, looking slightly confused and slightly nervous. Her wild hair was covering half of her face.

I walked over to her. "I'm sorry, I tried to stop them-"

She cut me off with a flick of her wrist. "It is fine, Jace."

I swallowed hard. It would not be fine if she got in trouble because of me. "You can have my seat," I told her, gesturing to the now vacant chair.

She gave me a sweet smile and sat down, greeting Mayrse and Robert with a smile and nod. Then she turned to Principal Jeremiah. "Hello, sir."

He smiled warmly at her. "Hello, Clary. How are you?"

I could see her hands were shaking, and guilt gnawed at me. I walked over and put my hands on the back of her chair.

She took a deep breath. "I've been better, and you?"

"I would say the same. Now, I'm sorry we had to involve you, but would you care to explain to us, without bias, the events of yesterday in your own words."

She wiped her palms on her jeans. "Of course," she said. She launched into a story nearly identical to mine. The only part of it that varied was the beginning. "Earlier in the day, I had been walking down the hallway when Meliorn stopped me. He stood directly in front of me, purposely blocking my path. I had said, 'excuse me' and tried to step around him, but he kept sidestepping to block me. He said, 'Where are you going, sexy?' I told him I was going to be late to class. Then he slipped a piece of paper in my pocket and leaned down to whisper in my ear. He said, 'Call me.' Then, when I walked past him, he slapped my butt and wolf-whistled."

I gripped the chair harder and glanced at Meliorn. The bastard was finally starting to look nervous.

It was interesting to listen to Clary's side of the story. She made me sound heroic, and made Meliorn sound even more evil than I had managed to.

Principal Jeremiah had been taking notes throughout her entire story, showing no emotion. When she finished, he thanked and dismissed her. I breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't in trouble.

Clary smiled at me as she walked past and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I gasped. She looked horrified. On her left cheek, barely covered by makeup, was a huge bruise. It was easy to tell what had created it.

"Jace?" Maryse asked, standing. "What is it?"

I grabbed Clary by the shoulders and spun her around. "If you don't believe that this piece of scum hurt her, here's your proof!" I spit each word out like they were rotten garbage in my mouth.

Maryse gasped and even Principal Jeremiah looked shocked. That's why she had had her face in her hair, she was trying to hide it. Clary pulled her hair back into her face, clearly embarrassed. I could feel her shoulders shake with the effort to hold back embarrassed and angry tears, so I spun her around and wrapped my arms tightly around her. She buried her face gratefully in my chest.

I turned to Meliorn. If Clary weren't in the way, he wouldn't still be breathing. "How dare you?" I hissed between clenched teeth. "How dare you come in here and pull this innocent act, when you so clearly are a scumbag that likes to hurt innocent girls?"

Meliorn rolled his eyes. "You can't prove that I did that."

I nearly snapped, but Clary kept me rooted in place. I opened my mouth to retort, but Principal Jeremiah cut me off. "Gentlemen, please. I have all the information collected that I need, but I will need a day to deliberate the proper form of action to take from here. I must ask that you both go home for the day, to prevent further altercations. I will call you both at the end of the day when I have made a decision."

Meliorn shrugged and stormed out. His parents followed after without so much as an apologetic look.

Maryse and Robert stood. "Thank you, Mr. Jeremiah. We will make sure Jace gets home."

Principal Jeremiah stood as well. "Thank you both for being so level headed throughout this whole matter. And Miss Fray?" Clary spun in my arms, wiping at her nose. Principal Jeremiah offered her a box of tissues. She took one. "I would suggest that you go home as well. It seems as though you have had a trying day yesterday and this morning has been no better. I apologize again for your involvement in this matter, but it was necessary in order to help out your loyal friend." He winked at Clary, which got her to smile.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."

He nodded with a kind smile.

"I'll bring her home, Principal Jeremiah," I said.

Maryse and Robert exited first, and Clary and I followed after, my arm slung protectively over her shoulder. No one spoke until we were next to our two cars. Maryse turned to me and hugged me tightly. "I'm proud of you," she whispered in my ear. I believed her this time. She then turned to Clary and hugged her as well. She whispered something to her that made her blush, but I couldn't hear what she had said.

Robert patted me on the back and gave Clary's arm a squeeze. "You two should go back to our house and relax. Mr. Jeremiah was right – it's been a rough couple of days."

Clary nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Lightwood."

He rolled his eyes as he climbed into his car. "Call me Robert, Clary."

We watched them pull away, then I turned to Clary. "Do you want to go to my house?"

She nodded. "I don't want to go home alone." She started climbing in the car, but stopped abruptly. "Shoot! I forgot my stuff in my locker! I'll be right back."

I climbed in the driver's side and watched her jog off toward the school. One she disappeared through the double doors, I pulled the collar of my t-shirt up over my mouth and covered it with my hands. Then, I screamed as loud as I could, letting out every ounce of anger that had built up in me over the past hour.

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Thank you for reading guys! Your continued support means so much to me! Please review and let me know what you thought! :) Oh, this is random, but I wanted to say this before and forgot. The one character in the movie of The Mortal Instruments who truly bothers me, is Valentine. In the book, he was described to more look like a sketchy scary businessman, then in the movie he pops out of the portal looking like a pirate! I don't get it!

Question: Who is your OTP? I understand this is a tough one, so feel free to list more than one. I know I have about fifty!

Love always,

YesIWriteForFun