I'M NOT DEAD. YAY.
It's okay if you hate me, I hate me too. xD
It's summer vacation though, so, in theory, I should be able to update more often, and not every two months. Hmm. Let's see how that works out.
Disclaimer: I don't own The Mortal Instruments.
"Mother, I've arrived home. Sorry that I'm a little late. I had to make a small detour on my way home. I apologize if I worried you. That was never my intention," Jace announced, as he kicked the door shut behind him.
He busied himself with hanging his winter jacket up on the coat rack. Clarissa still had his sweater and would most likely keep it until the end of the week. He kicked his shoes off and dropped his school bag and soccer bag beside them. His mother hated when he did this. She was a bit of a clean freak, and this could never pass as neat in her household. He knew he would be forced to take everything up to his room later, but he couldn't find it in himself to care right now.
"Jonathan Christopher." His mother was probably the only person in the world who called him by his full name. Once upon a time he hadn't really minded, but now, after knowing Clarissa's idiotic brother, he really wished his mother would switch to calling him Jace full-time.
She smiled softly at him, and held her arms out expectantly.
Jace sighed before he walked into her embrace. She smelt strongly of oranges today, Jace noted, as she wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders. He was a little taller than her, so he turned his head to the side and rested his cheek on her shoulder. This was his normal 'Welcome home' hug. And while Jace wasn't very big on the hugging scene, he found he would do a lot of things he normally wouldn't to please his mother.
After a minute, Céline kissed his cheek and pulled away. She rested her hand on his cheek just for a moment longer before she turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen. When her back was turned, Jace made a conscious effort not to wipe his cheek. He followed behind her, and took a seat at the dining room table. She made her way back to the sink to continue washing dishes.
"How was school today, honey?" Céline asked, turning her head slightly to look at him.
It didn't take a lot to realize Céline Herondale was a beautiful woman. Long, blonde hair that usually fell in soft waves down her back. Today it was tied in a loose pony-tail at the back of her head, and it appeared to sparkle when it caught the sunlight. Her eyes reminded Jace of Clary. They weren't the same shade of green, his mother's being a soft spring green, and Clary's being a hard emerald color. But they both held that same sparkle of pure innocence and happiness. Jace loved his mother very much for that. And, he supposed, that would make him love Clary like his mother, in an odd, roundabout way.
"It was fine, Mother," Jace replied with his usual.
"And soccer practice? Was it fun?"
This was their normal after school routine. Jace was never one for polite conversation, yet his mother still pressed him with the same dull questions. So Céline would ask the same boring questions to which Jace would reply with the same boring answers. They would then sit in a comfortable silence until Jace excused himself to his bedroom. Then his father would come back from work and he would call him downstairs. Together they would venture out into the backyard and play a "friendly" game of soccer. (His father called it friendly, but a game was a game after all and Jace refused to lose.) After that they would all sit down at the dinner table where more polite conversation was forced and Jace was expected to take part in it. Finally, it was time to retire for the night, before it was morning and the cycle continued.
Jace ignored her question as he picked up an apple from the fruit bowl at the center of the table. "I found myself thinking today."
Céline hummed. "Mhmm. What did you find yourself thinking about?"
"I wanted to buy a Christmas present for a friend."
Céline frowned. "I don't know Jonathan. Christmas is still some time away. Who for?"
"A girl. Her n-".
The sound of a dish breaking cut Jace off. A loud gasp followed and Jace's head snapped up. The dish Céline had previously been holding had clattered to the floor. In what was a delayed reaction, Jace jumped in surprise from the loud noise.
His mother's hand moved to cover her mouth and he could make out tears sparkling in her eyes. Jace's brow furrowed in confusion. Oh no. Had he said something wrong? He must have if she was ready to cry.
"A girl Jonathan Christopher? A real girl? Not one you imagined up in your head? You want to buy a present for a real girl?"
Jace nodded stiffly. Yes, he was afraid that the wrong answer would break the dam, but lying was not something he did to spare someone's feelings. His mother let a loud squeal of excitement. She wiped her hands on a towel and quickly wrapped her only son in a strong embrace. He tensed up. Another hug? Why was she hugging him if she looked like she was ready to cry. Should she not be screaming at him instead? Or maybe this was his punishment.
"Oh my sweet baby boy has a crush!" She pet his hair and rested her cheek on top of his head. "Tell me all about the wonderful girl that has one over my stoic son's heart."
Jace narrowed his eyes. Oh no. Not another person who thought he was in love with Clary. "Mother," he began in a crisp tone. "Let's get one thing straight. I am not in love with her. She is my friend. My best friend. If you think there is anything more going on between us, you're as dumb as my classmates."
Céline blinked. "Alright. . ."
She pulled away from him and held him by his shoulders. A tear rolled down her cheek, but despite this she was still smiling.
"Oh, you're crying," Jace observed. "Is it because I insulted you? I didn't mean it, I was just proving a point."
"No, not because you insulted me. I'm wearing a smile too. I'm crying because I'm happy, Jonathan Christopher."
Jace frowned, doubtful. Crying because you were happy? That was a new one.
"Here, let's sit down. I hope you know I still want you to tell me all about this girl. What's her name? When did you meet her? How long have you two been friends?" She stressed the word friend and Jace couldn't figure out why. "When can I meet her parents? Have you met her parents yet?"
"Her name is Clarissa-".
"Clarissa!" Céline exclaimed, cutting him off. She clapped her hands together in an excited fashion. "What a darling name for what I'm sure is a darling young lady! Tell me more about her, is she nice?"
"Oh yes, she's nice. Perhaps a little too nice if ask me. She talks a lot, too. Not more than you I don't think. But it's not as annoying as you'd think it'd be. It's actually rather pleasant."
"Are you implying that I talk a lot, Jonathan?" His mother raised an inquisitive brow.
"Oh, of course you talk a lot," Jace nodded, sinking his teeth into the apple.
"Huh." Céline clucked her tongue and made a face that looked as if she had just eaten something sour. This escaped Jace's notice. "Oh, this would be a nice time to tell you. Since we're already on the topic of Christmas, do you remember when we went to California a couple years ago?"
"I do. We went over the summer to visit Dad's brother and his family. Please don't tell me we're going back this Christmas."
"We're not. Elle and Cecily have decided to stay home, but William is bringing two of his friends and they're staying here all of Christmas break. Isn't it exciting?"
Jace dropped his fruit in horror. It hit the floor and rolled under the table. "Mother, are you joking right now? It isn't very funny, but please tell me you're joking."
"What? Why? Is something wrong with William?"
"What do you mean? Everything is wrong with William!" Jace screeched, kicking the chair away from him. "He is so insufferable, I can't stand him! Do you know how annoying and troublesome he is? Do you know the relentless teasing I had to face from him when we were back in California? He was an angel when he was around you, just like they all were! They're all little devils, their only goal in life to make my life a living hell. The others may not be coming but he's still worst than all of them combined. Mother, I can't spend two weeks in the same house as him. I can't do it. Two moths was enough! Please, Mother, don't let this happen. I'm begging you."
"Oh Jace," Céline's voice carried a distress tone, and Jace knew she felt bad because she never used his nickname. "I wish you would have told me this sooner. I've already told Edmund they could come over. I can't very well call him back and change my mind."
Jace's shoulders slumped forward and his mother placed her hand on his own. "I really am sorry Jace."
Jace slapped her hand away. "No you're not. If you really were sorry you wouldn't let this happen. Don't call me down for dinner later, I won't eat."
He stomped up the stairs and slammed the door to his bedroom. The fat cat lounging on his bed lifted his head and blinked slowly at him. Jace threw himself on the bed and buried his face in the cat's fur. The cat meowed in response.
"At least we know you'd never do anything to piss me off, Chaton."
"Oh come on Jace. I'm sure William isn't as bad as you're making him out to be."
Clary was attempting to console him the next day as they sat at the same lunch table. It wasn't really working.
"You don't know him, but you're right. My descriptions serve him no justice. He's much worst in person," Jace growled. He picked up his fork and stabbed the chicken sandwich on his tray.
"Ah, um, here. Let me take that from you." Clary gingerly plucked the utensil from his hand. Jace fixed his glare on her and Clary couldn't help but turn a little red. She gave him an awkward smile.
"I need that to eat," Jace informed her as he reached for it.
Clary scooted back a little. "Jace you have a sandwich, pineapple slices, and mashed potatoes. You eat the first two with your fingers and I let you keep your spoon."
"I do too need it, now hand it over," Jace insisted as his hand shot out to grab her wrist.
"You know, if you were into puns you could have said 'now fork it over'," Clary laughed slightly as she tried tugging her wrist out of his grip.
"I don't know what a pun is but I do want my fork back."
The next day at school wasn't a much better day than yesterday. He had been ignoring his mother since yesterday afternoon. This meant he was left to his own devices when it came to breakfast, and ended up having a bowl of cereal. (It was not filling.) He was already in a pissy mood, so he had planned on ignoring everyone at school, but the damn History teacher assigned a stupid group project. Something stupid about making a muckraker magazine. A group project meant talking and Jace would be damned if he let his grades slip over this rather nasty incident. And, after talking for an hour and a half with two people he wasn't very fond of, Jace found it pointless in maintaining his silence for the rest of the school day.
"Don't let us ruin your moment, we just need a place to sit and this is our usual table," Isabelle announced. She had Simon's hand in her own. She sat down across from them, tugging Simon down to sit next to her. "Please, don't mind us and continue."
"Hi guys," Clary beamed at them. She was no longer struggling to get out his hold and Jace quickly dropped his hand. "Where have you been this whole time? Lunch is almost over."
"Well, I was saving this nerd over here," Isabelle said, jerking her thumb in Simon's direction. "I came here at a normal time, but you two were the only ones here. I was not about to intrude and watch you be all lovey-dovey and make googly eyes at each other, so I embarked on a journey to find Simon. Can you believe he had planned on spending the entire lunch period in the library like a true loser? It was a good thing I was there to knock some sense into him."
"She hit me in the head with this huge Atlas. I was only trying to get some research done for the History project," Simon said.
Isabelle rolled her eyes. Clary noticed that they were still holding hands and Simon must have noticed too because he kept shooting Clary wide-eye looks. "Ugh. Don't even get me started on that fucking History project. The old man wants me to work with Clary and Jace." -"He's only thirty, Iz."- "He wants me to work with Jace and Kaelie WhiteWillow. This is truly horrible."
Clary frowned at Isabelle. "I'm sure you're overreacting and you probably shouldn't insult Jace when he's right here."
But Jace didn't really care if he was insulted. Truth be told, he wasn't too thrilled to be working with Isabelle and Kaelie either.
"Oh no, did it sound like that? Sorry if I offended you Jace because me problem's not with you. It's with Kaelie, obviously. She's so annoying, I can't stand her. Jace may be a total ass who knows nothing when it comes to people, but he is like freakishly smart, He at least is contributing so far. Kaelie is a bitch who does nothing but fawn over Jace. Actually, now that I think about it, you were more pissy than usual today," Isabelle looked at Jace. "Now why is that? What problem is Jace Herondale facing today?"
"His cousin is coming over for a visit and Jace says that he hates him, although I have my doubts," Clary supplied. She set Jace's fork on Jace's tray.
Jace sighed. "Must you blurt out my personal business to our classmates?"
"There our friends Jace," Clary said.
"More like your friends," Jace muttered under his breath before he raised his voice. "But she is correct. My older cousin William Herondale is coming for a visit and he's bringing friends. You can't forget that part. They're probably just like him. Arrogant little pricks," Jace said. He went back to murdering his chicken sandwich with his fork.
"I'm sorry but, isn't that what you are? An arrogant little prick?" Simon asked innocently.
"Simon," Clary scolded lightly.
"What?" Simon held his hands up in front of him. Though he quickly dropped them in favor of holding Isabelle's hand again. "I just speak the truth. But, on a more serious note, can I come over that day? I want to meet this Will Herondale and thank him personally for succeeding in something none of us here could ever accomplice. Getting under your skin. I swear, he's my new favorite person and I haven't even met the guy."
"Simon."
"What are you all high and mighty now that the love of your life is holding your hand?" Jace sneered.
Simon made a choking sound as his face became a vibrant shade of red. Even Isabelle turned a light shade of pink as she looked down at their interlocked hands. She mumbled an apology and released his hand and Jace chortled with laughter.
A month had come and gone. Isabelle had been holding weekly meetings on the soccer field with the 'Get-Clace-To-Happen' (The name was a work in progress) club but to no avail. They had no clear plan as to hoe they planed to get their two friends together. The meetings were usually an hour of their lives wasted, with fights breaking out half way through. It was quite amusing to watch but also quite frustrating to everyone involved.
But this time passing also meant that the dreaded arrival of William Herondale was upon Jace.
"Here," Jace said, walking up to Clary. She had been waiting for her brother by the bleachers. He handed her his scarf and gloves. The coach was a bit crazy and didn't care what the weather conditions were.
"I already have my own," Clary said. She took them from his hands nevertheless.
"I know that. I need you to hold them for me real quick," Jace told her.
He began rummaging through his book bag as Jonathan and Sebastian came to stand on either side of her. Jonathan slung an arm over her shoulder and appraised Jace with a raised brow. Finally he pulled out a stack of envelopes and thrust them into Jonathan's hand. He quickly took his scarf and gloves back from Clary and bundled himself up. "Pass those out to the team. My mother is having a Christmas party at my house and she's insisted I invite you all. There's one for Isabelle and," Jace turned to look at Clary, "I expect to see you there as well. I would do it, but I have to go now."
Jace took off speed walking just as Isabelle, Simon, Alec, and Magnus all came up behind them. Jonathan handed them their invitations.
"Where's he going so fast?" Sebastian wondered out loud, accepting his invitation from Jonathan.
"His cousin is arriving today." Clary replied. Jonathan had taken his arm off of her and she adjusted her book bag on her shoulder. She turned to her brother. "Let's go home now. I'm freezing."
"Wait, Jon," Sebastian grabbed his friend by his arm. "You can't go yet. This is a golden opportunity to see if the rest of the Herondale family is as crazy as our Golden Boy. Or it could just prove we drew the short stick when it comes to Herondales."
"Are you planning on following Jace home?" Isabelle asked, placing her hands on her hips. "If so then count me in."
"Isabelle, you can't," Alec said, reaching out to hold her by her elbow. "Mom and dad expect you to come home with me, what'll they do if you're not there? Not to mention we're already running late. And, what if something happens and I'm not there to help?"
Isabelle pulled her elbow out of her brother's grasp. "Don't worry, you can come along too, Mama Hen. Just tell Maryse and Dad that practice ran late."
Nobody questioned Isabelle using her mother's first name.
"I've got nothing better to do,' Magnus shrugged. "Come along, Alexander, I'm sure it'll be fun."
"Me too, I'm coming too," Simon announced.
And then all eyes were on Clary and Jonathan. Jonathan turned to Clary.
"Come on Clare-Bear, let's go," Jonathan begged. "Mom and Luke won't mind if we take a small detour."
"Alright," Clary relented. Everybody cheered. "But if Jace gets mad it's all your fault I mean all of you.."
"It always is," everybody chorused before they all erupted into laughter.
So this was a very revealing chapter. We learned about Jace's relationship with his mother. The plot is unfolding even more. We saw Jace have an outburst, which is always good: Emotions. There was some Sizzy thrown in there. AND, THE BIGGEST REVEAL OF ALL: WE LEARNED THE NAME OF JACE'S FAT CAT; CHATON. Personally, I love Chaton. I want a Chaton in my life, and if you're wondering about the name it just means kitten in French.
So, I'm gonna try and update soon. I have half of the next chapter written, so get ready for a shit load of laughs.
Byeeee.