It's been a week since I sent the letter to Jace and I am hoping his reply, if he wrote one, comes soon. Preferably when I get done with shopping with Isabelle today. It was Friday now and I didn't have class again until Monday so Isabelle and I are going to some shopping, grab some lunch, and then go see a movie we had wanted to see since it came out last month. My phone rang cutting through my thoughts. It was a text message from Isabelle.

Come outside! I'm here!

Grabbing my coat and purse that had almost everything I need in there I locked my apartment and walked outside. Isabelle was waiting so I quickly threw myself into the driver's seat. Before I was even buckled up she was speeding off to the mall strip. No wonder her parents didn't help her buy a car until she was nineteen. They trusted Hitler, if he was still alive, to drive them around more than Isabelle and that is saying something because the Lightwoods' don't trust very easily. I sighed as I looked over at Isabelle. She was beautiful and that was an understatement. Long, glossy black hair that fell in soft waves down to the middle of her back, dark eyes that showed much emotion when she let them, a body that anybody would die for and this girl didn't take crap from anyone. Even if she didn't know you or even if she did know you.

We have been friends since kindergarten and she stuck up for me when Jonah Worley tried to push me off the swings. He got a nice shiner and I got my best friend. The perfect trade. Since our parents only lived three houses down from each other we spend almost every waking moment together. Sure we have had some rough patches, but we got through them; together. Just like always. Isabelle suddenly jerked into a parking lot making me slam against the door quite hard. I knew it was going to bruise later.

"What the crap! I want to know who gave you your license because they should be fired!" I screeched at top volume. I snatched against the door handle and grabbed my purse before jumping out of the car. She rolled her eyes and walked over to me.

"Calm down Clary." I huffed and stomped away from her. Lord knows how she kept up with me in the six-inch heels she was wearing. I still haven't figured out how she walks in those so easily. We walked through the automatic doors and I shivered a little as the cold air conditioning hit my bare arms. I followed Isabelle into the first store she immediately started scanning the racks. This is how it always works. We both shop, she tells me what looks best on me and I get it if I want to. I don't argue ninety-nine percent of the time since Isabelle always know what looks good on me. I learned to trust Isabelle earlier on. Makes everything a whole lot easier I'll tell you that much.

We didn't buy anything in that store since we found nothing we liked and moved to the next store. I went to the far back where the jewelry and perfume was nestled and Isabelle went straight for the shoes. I rolled my eyes. That girl would have to expand her closet soon if she didn't watch it. My eyes scanned over all the bracelets, necklaces and rings they had until I spotted on the third row that was just too cute. It was a set that came with one of each and it was a red paisley pattern. I had a button up shirt at home that I knew would match it perfectly. I grabbed that and some more of my favorite perfume, PINK, since I knew that I was almost out at home.

I found my way to Isabelle who was already done and paying for her stuff. She waited while I paid for my stuff and together we walked out. Isabelle and I went to about five more stores where I ended up buying some more make up that I was out of, shirts, new boots, and some jeans. Isabelle bought some of the stuff minus the boots. I bet you can guess what she went for. Yep, that's right, the heels. When we finally made it the food court it took all I had not to shout in relief as I sat down, taking all my bags with me. Isabelle laughed and did the same expect hers was more graceful.

We ordered Chinese food since it was both our favorite and chatted about what has gone on in our lives since we had seen each other last week. She told me her final in her Designing class was to make a portfolio of a clothing line using on one topic; snow. Isabelle wants to have her own clothing line one day and she has worked diligently in all of her classes to achieve her dreams. I knew she would go far in life and in the fashion business. She even told me some ideas that she had about it. They were all very good and I knew she would pass it without trouble. She was amazingly creative and always came up with the best idea. I was reluctant to tell her about Jace at first. I wanted to keep him all to myself for a while, but I didn't leave her hanging completely. I did tell her about me having to write a pen pal I just left out the fact that it was a soldier. When I told her she didn't press for details for which I was grateful. I would tell her eventually, but not now.

We opted to skip the movie since we still had stuff do about school work. Instead she dropped me off promising to call me later. I waved goodbye and had to hold myself from running to the mailbox that hung beside my door. I was proud of myself for making it at a clam pace all the way in the apartment. I even set myself stuff down and settled myself into the table before flipping through the mail.

Light bill. Flip. Cell phone bill. Flip. Credit card bill. Flip. Someone who wants to loan me money. Letter from Jace. I squealed a little when I saw the letter and pushed the others aside and eagerly ripped into it.

Dear Miss. Fray,

I am so glad you wrote me and I am very excited to get to know you over these next few weeks. I can only hope that you feel the same way about me. I guess I will follow your lead on the letter that way I don't forget to tell you anything you tell me. On second thought maybe I will just answer all your questions in list from and then add-on anything else at the end. Yeah that sounds better.

- My full name is Jonathan Avery Wayland, but I like to go by Jace

- I am twenty-one years old

- My rank in the military is a sergeant

- As for family. I have my mom. I am an only child so no brothers or sisters. I consider my squad my brothers, but I don't know if that counts. My dad isn't in the picture anymore. He was in the army when I was a kid and was killed in action when I was fifteen. He is the biggest part of why I am in the army now.

- Why did I join? When my dad died, he died for a cause. He didn't die laying down on his back not doing anything. I wanted to be like that. At least I know that if I die here then I am dying for a cause. I died to keep someone safe. Family, friends, wives, husbands, kids, even if they are not mine.

- On the music I like Hoobastank, The Killers, Nickelback, Three Days Grace, Three Doors Down, Daughtry, and lots of others. I really don't like country or rap. Even the thought of listening to that stuff makes me shudder.

- Next question; Food. Anything greasy, fatty, and high in cholesterol. Typical man food right. ;) HaHa! Here is where the cliché food comes in. Ready? My favorite food is pizza and hamburgers. Man what I would do to get one of those now. When I come home that is the first place I am going! Maybe we could go together sometime…?

- Movies? Anything action. Like Troy or 300. Those things are awesome! Even though I like action sometimes (and if you ever repeat this to anyone I will gladly hunt you down and make your life a miserable) I like a tear-jerker. I have watched The Notebook more times than I can count. Now, before you laugh, even though you probably already have, let me explain. Sometimes it's nice to set back and watch something happy with a good ending. It gives you hope that you can have you own. Does that make sense?

- Hobbies? Mostly sports like football or baseball. Although I have to say that football is my favorite. I also like to jog and go for a good swim now and then.

Now… I have some questions for you… Heavy questions first… ;)

1) Are you single? For future reference purposes of course…

2) Why do you like drawing so much?

3) What is your biggest dream of all?

Now the lighter questions…

1) Favorite food? Music? Movies?

2) Do you have any favorite authors?

3) Siblings?

4) Hobbies?

That is all I can think of! Feel free to add any more information! ;)

Anxiously Awaiting Your Reply,

Jonathan Avery Wayland

(Jace)

I giggled a bit at his letter. He sounded like a great guy and we had a lot in common. He was only a year older, no siblings; he liked all the music and foods that I liked. He even had a sensitive side. Even though he doesn't exactly want to admit it was still there. Even if I was the only one that knew. It was obvious he had a playful side too by the way he was teasing me. I didn't mind it though. I liked a guy that could be playful with me, but also knew how to be serious. He sounded exactly like the guy I would want to date plus he wanted to hang out with me when he gets back.

I didn't know if you could consider it a date nor… could you? Ugh! I hate this crap! This stage when you first met a guy and he says cryptic stuff like that and makes you wonders which way he means. I know that I wanted to get to know him better. He sounded like a good guy from what I have heard -er - read, but I still have months to write him and I plan to know almost everything to know about somebody. The only question was did he feel the same way.

The unfamiliar excitement that I felt every time I got one of his letters and the anxiousness that I felt when I thought that it wouldn't come. Did he feel this pull to know everything about me or to worry about him even though I have never met the guy. I know one thing. I was determined to find out.

-X-X-X-

The weekend went by quickly and I found myself getting more and more anxious. I had sent Jace a letter on Saturday afternoon and even though I knew he probably hadn't received it yet I was still anxious. My foot tapped in a steady rhythm against the carpeted floor as I waited for Mr. Green to start. Finally, to my utmost relief, he did.

"I have a surprise for all of you!" He exclaimed excitedly with a huge grin. I sat up a little straighter. Last time he came through big time. I hope he only delivered as well this time. "Next week on Tuesday the unit that you are writing too has cleared off their schedules so that they can web cam with us. Their superior has graciously let us use this time in which his soldiers should be training so lets please try to make the most of it! Next point of business! Today's topic is how to properly write on a topic and NOT get off track! Now…"

I tuned out since I already knew how to do this. My mind was reeling, trying to wrap my head around what I had just heard. I was going to see Jace… In the flesh! Well… OK… Not in the flesh literally, but I am going to see him moving, in person, and I am so freaking excited I could just squeal, but of course that would be awkward to explain so instead I just settled for an internal happy dance. When class ended I skipped out of the room getting some strange looks, but, really, I was on cloud nine. In less than a week I would see Jace. I can't wait! Next week couldn't come fast enough!

-X-X-X-

JPOV

"Here you go Sergeant Wayland Sir. "I made myself take the letters out of his hand slowly and dismissed him with a wave on my hand. Stretching out on my bunk I took the time to peel back the envelope flap perfectly. I had waited almost two weeks for her reply. It scared me at first how much I wanted to get to know this girl and I haven't even met her yet. I have never ever felt this way in my life, but strangely, it felt good. I haven't had contact with anyone else outside my platoon in so long. I felt happy these days. Hell, I even looked happy these days. Everyone sees it and everyone can see the changes in me too. They didn't comment on it thank God. I wouldn't know how to answer them.

Another thing that surprised me was that I was so glad that it was Clary that I was writing too. Don't get me wrong, I would be happy to write to anybody, but somehow writing to Clary made it that much more special when I finally got a letter. I looked forward to it. I never had something to look forward too. She is like that little light in my dark world. As cheesy as that sounds it's the truth and I am not afraid to admit it. I felt this strange pull toward Clary. It felt like I had known her all my life instead of just a couple of days. I wanted to know everything about this girl. What makes her happy, sad, frustrated, and angry? I wanted to know how to make her smile, all her ticklish spots, and how to comfort her. I wanted to be there in every way I could and let me tell you. That scared the living crap out of me.

Pulling out the neatly folded paper I opened it up and started reading it.

Dear Mr. Jace Wayland,

I was so excited to hear that you wrote back to me and it only took about a week to get your reply too! That was a surprise to me! I thought it would take much longer than that! I know this probably doesn't mean much, but I am so, so, so, so sorry for the loss of your father, but you are right. He died for a noble cause and you should be very proud of him and I know that a lot of people who are remembering the sacrifice he made for his country. I know this is probably a little too personal since we don't know each other that well and if you don't want me to know you just say (or write in the case) the word, but how did you father die?

As for some of your questions I can totally relate to the only child thing. Sometimes I was sad that I didn't have my own blood brother or sister, but I can also relate on the squad thing. Although I don't have a whole squad, only one person. Her name is Isabelle Lightwood and I consider her my sister in every way . All we need is each other's blood and we are good to go! Haha! Man, now that I re-read that it's sound really lame. Oh well, maybe you will find it funny. She is great and we complement each other perfectly. Let me explain. While I am more of the quiet and laid back type Isabelle is abrasive and loud. I like to draw and Isabelle likes to create. I'm short, Isabelle's tall. I have red hair and she has black. Totally opposites, but we go so well together. Do you have someone on you squad that you are more close to than the others?

What does being a sergeant entail any? Are you the leader or over any other people? What are your duties? Did you start at as a sergeant? If you didn't where did you start? If I sound like a clueless airhead then you are right. Well when it comes to the military I am. I considered googling it, but then I thought, "Well I am talking to someone who works in this stuff kind of everyday!" So I figured that you could give me the BEST information! J I have to talk to you for some reason! Haha! ;)

Now ALL your questions. You are a very curious person you know! ;) Hahahahaha! Just kidding Jace! I am too so I really can't talk.

Heavy questions first… This may talk a while…

1) Am I single? My, my Jace. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were flirting with me! ;) Yes I am. I have had a few boyfriends here and there. Some and high and school and some in college, but I haven't found that special someone, you know? Are you single? You know, just for future reference though… ;)

2) Why do I like drawing much? With drawing you can express anything you want. Whenever I couldn't express my emotions in words or gestures I would always draw them out. It was my outlet growing up and still is. It is a huge part of my life. Wherever I can find space I have a picture that I like. I even have some of my own drawings hung up in my apartment and even some in my art class because my teacher thought they would so good. I don't mean to toot my horn, but they are pretty darn good. Maybe when you come home you could go and see them and tell me your thoughts.

3) Biggest dream? To be a stay at home mom and take care of my kids. To have a husband who thinks the world of me and treats me like a queen even when I don't deserve it and vice versa of course. What is your biggest dream?

Whew! That took a lot out of me! ;) Good grief Jace slow down with your questions! ;)

1) Food! One of my favorite past times! Hahahaha! I think my favorite food would be strawberries dipped in white chocolate. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! My second favorite would be… wait for it… Hawaiian pizza. I could go for some of that now!

~ Music. I like all the ones you listed plus the Food Fighters, The Beatles, some Led Zeppelin, and ZZ Top. I like some country. I think Taylor Swift and Chris Young are my favorites.

~ Movies. I like action too like those you said: 300 and Troy. I like the Pirates of the Caribbean. Oh! I just LOVE any animated movies like Cinderella and Snow White. I think Beauty and the Beast the best though. Every time I watch it I cry. Don't laugh or I will start cracking jokes about you Notebook. Don't test me Wayland.

2) Authors, authors, authors. I really don't like to read all that much, but I would have to say the James Patterson would be my favorite. Suspense and action; The perfect combination! J

3) Siblings? Only child, but you already knew that! Did you run out of questions? ;)

4) Hobbies? I LOVE to draw, write, swim, running, sports and, like you, I like football too. I doesn't have the big net that I can't reach like basket ball and I don't have to try to kick anything with my shorts legs! It is the perfect sport for me! :D Also… I don't really know if this counts, but I like to do yoga. It is a really relaxing process. Definitely a good wound down after a rough week at school. You should try it. It is not very "manly", but I know it would relieve some of the tension and stress I know you have.

Extremely Happy To Be Your Pen Pal,

Clary

P,S. Are there any supplies that you need?

P.P.S Don't be afraid to ask for stuff like boxers or any of that. Just let me know!

P.P.P.S. How about any other people in you squad? Do they need anything? Razors, shaving cream? A pen pal because Isabelle is all for writing someone ever since I told her that I was writing some one!

P.P.P.P.S. Write back really, really soon! Like really, really soon! :D

I grinned as I put the letter on the table. This girl couldn't be real. She liked my music; she could take my teasing, and respected my wishes to not tease me about the Notebook thing. Most girls would have died laughing and guys too for the matter. I couldn't wait to meet this girl in person. I knock at the door startled me out of my thoughts.

"Sir, Valentine wants to see you." I nodded and stood promising me myself that I would write Clary as soon as I got time. I sighed as I exited my room. Valentine may be my superior, but he and I go way back. He knew my dad when he was just a private and me when I was just a baby. He was the one who help my dad adjust to the military life and made him one dang good soldier. I knocked lightly on Valentine's door and a gruff voice sounded back saying, "Come in."

Walking in we saluted each other before I plopped myself down in one of the chairs in front of his steel desk.

"So, Wayland, how is life?" I snorted.

"It's great sir," He nodded and shuffled around some papers on his desk.

I sighed waiting for him to get to the point. He never really saw me casually or anybody for that matter. There was always an underlying reason for it. Even if he didn't say it.

"Well," He cleared his throat, "in about three weeks we are scheduled to go on a mission in the city and I want to you to organize it." He said seriously. My eyes widened.

"Sir," I choked out in shock," you want me to organize it? I thought Lt. Peter always did that kind of stuff." He shook his head.

"Lt. Peter is going to be honorable discharged and I want you to take his place. This is a huge responsibility and I want you to think very seriously before you give me an answer. I need one by tomorrow morning. That is all. You're dismissed." I barely got out a 'Yes sir' before half running back to my room. This was big news. I sat down on my cot afraid that my shaky legs would give out on me if I stood on them any more. I understood why Lt. Peter would want to be discharged. He had made it very clear that he couldn't wait to back with his wife, Charlotte, and safe in his own home. I wanted to point out that no one is really safe anywhere, but I thought that would be kind of mean to burst his bubble he was in.

I knew what I need to do to sort out all the thoughts running rampant through my head. Reaching over I dug through the desk draw and got some paper and a pen. Then I started writing.

A/N: Sooo… What did you guys think? I really want to know so just leave me a review!