A/N: Well, I know y'all are probably pissed at me for not updating in several months. I'm sorry. But, I got inspiration again because my mom is reading the City of Bones and she keeps asking me all these questions.

Then I was like, "OMG, I got a TMI story I haven't updated in forever!" And now I'm here, typing this.

This chapter will be long, just to make up for my absence….

Here is the long awaited chapter 9!

Thanks for sticking with me :D

Chapter 9

Reunion Part 1

After the exchange at the storage units, Simon took Clary back to his home. He gave her another pair of clothes, since her clothes were dirty, and she went to go take a bath. Simon made her a few sandwiches because she was awfully malnourished. She trembled a lot and her green eyes darted around frequently as if scoping for danger.

Clary came out of the bathroom in her new clothes and sat at the kitchen table with Simon as she ate. Clary scarfed down her sandwiches and even asked for more.

Now, Simon figured they couldn't ignore the elephant in the room.

"Clary…what happened? Did Valentine take you?" Simon didn't really know how to word his question.

Her green eyes filled with a untouchable sadness and she nodded her head. "Yeah," She whispered. "But, he hardly came to see me…"

"Were you with your brother?"

Clary flinched and Simon knew he crossed the line. "I don't want to talk about this, Simon. No offense, but we kinda just rekindled our friendship after this whole entire ordeal in elementary school. To be honest, I…really don't think I can talk to anyone," Tears rolled down her pale cheeks, but she quickly wiped them away. "Damn, I used to be tough and now I'm some trembling, weak girl…,"

Simon didn't know what to do. If he tried to offer her affection, she'd push him away. The only thing he could do was try to rekindle their friendship and be there for her. Of course, he'd have to tell his mom and sister Clary would be living with them and…

Even though Simon felt incredibly jealous toward him, Jace would probably be the only person who could help Clary out of her fragile state.

"Clary, it'll be ok," Simon reassured her.

"How do you know?"

He smiled, "You have me, Maia, Isabelle, Tessa, Alec, and Jace."

Clary's eyes widened at the mention of her friend's names. "H-How are they?"

"If you expect me to say they're fine, then you're wrong," Simon told her. "Even to this day, they've held out hope you'd come back and we've searched for you. The police didn't have any leads at all. But, you're back now and that's the important thing. You just have to rest up, ok?"

"Yeah, thanks Simon…Um," She bit her dry, cracked lips. "can you hold off on telling them I'm back? I know it's pretty cruel, but I just want to rest. Please?"

Clary, what the hell did Jonathan do to you?

"Yeah, sure, but don't make it too long,"

After making small talk a little bit more, Simon showed Clary to a guest bedroom and that's where she slept for the rest of the day. Simon and his mom discussed what to do about Clary and they both agreed she should rest, but Valentine was a wanted criminal and she should probably talk to the police. His mom said she would definitely need to come back to school. In the end, they decided to give Clary some space and if she wanted to tell them anything, she was free to do so.

Several days passed and Clary was still regaining her strength. Sometimes she would throw up after eating and then she would sleep the entire day. Simon figured she must've been tortured and starved by her brother and Valentine, but he simply couldn't bring himself to ask her that. Yes, he had done wrong in the past ( they were kids for God's sake) , but he wanted to make it right at least.

However, Simon found it hard at school to see Jace and the rest of Clary's friends at school. He wanted to tell them, "Hey guys, Clary is hiding out at my house!" But, that meant they would most likely ask questions that Clary didn't want to answer.

So, Simon would wait until she was ready.

*( A week later)*

On Sunday, Clary announced she would be going back to school on Tuesday and she and Simon went to the mall to get new school clothes. Clary was upbeat and Simon could see that there was color coming back into her skin. Her green eyes became lively and she and Simon talked like they used to do. For some reason, he felt Clary was putting on an act for him so that she could hide her pain from him.

Tuesday came quickly and Simon and Clary went to school. He could see she looked nervous, but she gave him a small smile and said, "Ok, I'm ready,"

*( In Homeroom)*

Jace was in his homeroom class having a conversation with Tessa when the teacher came in and said, "Students, we have a new student with us today. Come in, don't be shy~"

Jace's heartbeat picked up as a frail girl with curly red hair and green eyes stepped into the classroom. Her eyes landed on him and then she looked away.

"Clary!" Tessa exclaimed and stood up. "My goodness, I thought- I mean- I," Tessa began to cry and she ran to the front of the classroom and hugged her tightly. "I missed you and- and…wwaaaaa!"

Clary patted Tessa on the back. Her face was red because everyone in the classroom was staring at them. Then they began to whisper.

"Remember? That's the girl that disappeared in sixth grade!"

"Really? What happened to her? She looks sickly."

"She used to hang out with Jace all the time…"

"Ok, Tessa, I'm sure you're making Clary uncomfortable with the sobbing," The teacher said. "Take a seat now."

Tessa wiped away her tears, grabbed Clary's hand and led her to the vacant desk behind her. Jace watched as Tessa was near hysteria again as she asked Clary where'd she been. Clary would just shake her head and say she didn't want to talk about it. Clary completely avoided his gaze.

Homeroom ended and Tessa met up with Isabelle, Maia and Alec and told them Clary was back. Isabelle and Maia erupted into tears and asked Clary why'd she left. Clary looked uncomfortable the entire time and she definitely didn't look well.

Alec came up to him and said, "Have you talked to Clary?"

He shook his head, "No, Clary looks absolutely terrified. Something awful must've happened to her."

Jace looked Clary over again and he tried to picture the girl he knew back in elementary and intermediate school. The same girl who didn't know she was beautiful in the least. The same girl who made him laugh.

The girl who stood before him was not the same girl he knew. She changed. Jace's heart was heavy. He couldn't be there for her and now she was back she hardly looked at him.

But, Jace swore he would protect Clary this time.

*( After School)*

Meet me at our tree, Clary Bray

-Jace

Clary found the note in her locker and she almost cried tears of joy at seeing her nickname. Clary left the school and walked over to the elementary playground. All the kids had gone home. She felt nostalgic as she stared at the familiar swing sets, slides, school building and fence.

"Clary?"

Jace was sitting at the base of the tree. He had changed. Jace was taller, his golden blond hair a tad bit longer, and his golden eyes, which were once filled with high energy, were now containing a stronger emotion. Guilt, maybe?

"Ya know," Clary put her hands on her hips. "My last name is Fray. You definitely know that."

He smirked and leaned his head back. "I'm glad you're back, Clary. It was getting lonely coming here every day waiting for you," He told her.

"You still came here every day?"

"I told you that I would…"

Clary searched his face to see if there was a hint of mocking, but he looked completely calm. She looked down at the ground and mumbled, "I'm sorry."

Jace stood up and walked over to her. "Clary," He whispered. Jace put his hand under her chin and lifted her head up. Her eyes were filled with tears and anguish. Jace pulled her closer to him and he whispered, "I'm not going to ask where you were, but I'll protect you this time, ok? I promise, Clary Fray…"

Clary hugged him tightly and cried into his shoulder. She felt at ease as Jace's strong arms wrapped around her tightly.

It was good to be home.

A/N: Well, I didn't want to drag out Clary's reunion with everyone for several chapters, so I limited it to two chapters. I kind of liked the way this chapter turned out… but I plan on adding more about Clary's condition in the next upcoming chapters.

Once again, everyone, I apologize for the wait.

Here's a sneak preview of Chapter 10…

*( Chapter 10 Preview)*

"Clary, you still awake?" Isabelle whispered.

"Yeah," Clary replied, "What's up?"

Isabelle sighed and said, "I just wanted to say I'm glad you're back. You're like a sister to me. And when you left… I was lonely. Basketball season, classes, everything was miserable without you. Jace was just as miserable too. He really cares about you too…"

"I felt the same way. I was so lonely too…But, I'm back. Thanks Izzy for this sleepover. You're a great friend."

"No problem, but," Isabelle faced Clary and poked her in the ribs. "We're gonna have to fatten you up. You're way to skinny, girl."

Clary laughed, "Night, Izzy."

"Night, Clary."

A/N: Lol, that was a weak preview, but there will be bonding next chapter.

Thanks for reading! :D

Updated: 8/4/13