Disclaimer - I don't own anything related to TMI.

Jace In Exile

Chapter 8

"I called Clary back, left her a message." Simon was walking in step alongside Jace. "Will you tell me why you don't want the love of your life to know you aren't being held captive in a dungeon below the city?"

Jace let out a frustrated sigh, "I was given seven days to start my life as a mundane. It's not like the verdict prohibits me from seeing Clary after the ceremony. I just don't want her to see…" his voice trailed off. "I want to have some order in my new life before I throw her into the mix."

"You know we're talking about Clary here, right? Petite, redhead, with mad rune drawing skills…can blow stuff apart with a single stele stroke…could probably kick both of our asses. Not sure how she'll take it finding out you were safely tucked in bed last night at my house, while she was worried sick you were sleeping on a cold stone floor possibly in shackles."

"I feel bad about not calling her right away," they stopped at a crosswalk and waited for the light to turn "I really do, it's just…I don't want her to see struggle to live as a mundane, let alone a mundane "loser" with no job, no place to live, no money…I can't disappoint her again. I can make this work. I just need some time to figure it out."

Simon was shocked, Jace was pleading with him to hide this from Clary. "Okay man, I get it. Let's run your errands - that's what a mundane would call them; then let's figure out how to get you some clothes for your job interview. If Jordan said he'll hook you up, than he will."

Jace nodded his head in thanks and they continued to walk to the mobile phone store. It was a good thing Simon was with him because techie was Lewis' middle name. After they bought Jace a new phone, they headed to the Institute to pick up some of his things.

Brother Zachariah was a huge help. He dropped his glamour and convinced Maryse to let him enter the Institute and pack Jace's clothes, some books, and mementos from his room.

Maryse ran to Jace and embraced him on the steps outside the Institute. Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears, the lines in her face more pronounced, and she looked thinner in her clothes.

"I can't believe the Clave sentenced you so harshly. I'm calling every influential person I know trying to find a way to force the Clave to overturn the verdict. They didn't let you testify, you are underage, my list of injustices goes on and on." Maryse stepped back and examined Jace like mothers do to sons they haven't seen in a long time.

"I appreciate your efforts Mom but don't sacrifice your position with the Clave, the Institute, or the family for me. I'm not giving up hope, I'm just thinking about Plan B in case they uphold the verdict." Jace hooked his fingers in his belt loops and started rocking back and forth on his feet.

"The Silent Brothers were kind to give me some time to figure out what I'll do if I'm not a Shadowhunter. I don't want to waste the opportunity. I might learn something in this madness."

Maryse laughed a little, "I'm glad you're remaining so positive. I have to say I'm a little surprised. It's not really your nature to take something like this in stride. I'm assuming you've talked to Alec, Isabelle and Clary?"

"No I haven't talked to them." He looked down at his shoes and kicked an imaginary rock. "Mom it would really help me out if you wouldn't mention I came by, that we even talked. I want to take some time and establish myself…I'm trying to get a job, make some money. Simon said I could crash at his place…temporarily," he looked over at Simon for reassurance.

Simon stepped off the brick wall he was standing against and ambled over to Maryse and Jace.

"Simon, thank you for looking after my son. If you need any recompense just call me." Maryse handed his a card with her phone number.

Jace was embarrassed, "Mom I'm interviewing for a job today. I will pay my part of the rent."

Maryse looked at Jace lovingly, "Son we are here to help you. Let us."

She turned to Simon. "You're okay with lying to Clary?" she said doubtfully.

Simon looked down at his feet. "I've agreed to keep quiet for a couple of days, but if he doesn't call her by mid-week I'm outing him."

"Jace you are lucky to have someone like Simon in this situation. Don't abuse his kindness," Maryse started to scan the street for people walking by.

"You two better leave soon. I'm expecting Alec, Isabelle and Clary any minute. They are moving Clary into the Institute today. She's continuing her training here so Jocelyn and Luke can have some time alone."

Brother Zachariah appeared at the top of the steps with a large duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He instantly applied his glamour.

Maryse stared in amazement, "That must be something new to the Brotherhood," she exclaimed "I can't see him anymore." Maryse pulled Jace in for one last hug and pressed some money in his hand. She told Simon and invisible Brother Zachariah farewell.

Jace watched her walk back inside the Institute. She was fighting for him, strong emotions filled his chest and he had to turn and walk away so he didn't lose it.

"Thanks for getting my stuff," Jace said to Brother Zachariah.

"It's my pleasure Mr. Wayland. I want to be useful in some capacity. I don't believe I will be beneficial in your job search."

Was Brother Z making a joke? Maybe he was loosening up around him? Probably feeling sorry for him would be a more accurate statement.

Simon's phone rang, he looked down to see who was calling, "Jace Wayland's virtual office, how may I help you?" the sarcasm dripping in his voice.

"Mr. Wayland is available at 4:00 PM today. Yes I'll have him bathed, deloused, smelling pretty, and on time. Yep. Later," he put his phone back in his pocket.

"Please tell me that was Jordan and you didn't just blow my cover?"

"Of course it was Jordan. Interview is at 4:00 PM, said you have the job, the meeting is just a formality, but he's sticking his butt on the line for you. Don't screw this up, blah, blah…" Simon grabbed a grocery cart from the return and they walked into the market.

"Simon, what do you know about resumes - Jordan asked me if I had one this morning."

"I know how to write one, but Dude what would you put as your previous job history – experienced Angel blessed warrior, with 100+ demon kills, and an ego the size of the Titanic. Education: Masters Degree in Sarcasm. Special Skills: martial arts, cool hair, and a charming personality?" Simon was laughing and holding his side.

Jace was annoyed, "Doesn't really match your typical job description? I do have cool hair, and I'm very charming. Don't forget I'm amazingly handsome as well," he smiled slyly at a young girl across the aisle.

She smiled back and almost dropped the carton of eggs she was holding.

Jace winked at Simon, "Glad you've finally accepted I'm a stud and desired by all women, Lewis."

Simon rolled his eyes, "You don't need a resume for a bike messenger job. You'll be fine. Jordan said you're golden."

Simon delivered Jace to the TDA Warehouse at 4:00 PM as promised. Jordan gave Jace a quick tour of the place. Showed him where the bikes were housed, and the area where they pick up their paychecks. Jace was only half-listening. The simple, no stress, no conflict surroundings hit him in the face. Mundane life was going to be boring!

A young woman in a silk purple tank and black pants was striding toward them. Her straight chestnut hair was pulled back in a knot at the base of her neck, complimenting her oval-shaped face. She was very pretty in a "girl-next-door" kind of way, but in a warehouse with all guys, she was gorgeous.

Most of the workers openly stared at her as she walked by, not in a disrespectful way but in appreciation of a fine-looking woman. She glanced in their direction and smiled politely, she had a warm smile. She looked up and saw Jordan and Jace standing by the lunchroom. It was obvious she was considering Jace from a distance.

She made him nervous. What the hell was going on with him? He had fears, but women were definitely not one of them. Now ducks were a different story. Was this something else that would be different with the "mundane" Jace?

By the time she reached them, Jace's hands were sweaty and he had the uncomfortable feeling in his throat, like he swallowed his tongue.

"Jace Wayland, this is Tessa Gray, she's the manager I wanted you to meet," Jordan was very professional, formal even. "Jace is interested in working as a bike messenger for TDA."

"Jace - it is very nice to meet you," she extended her hand to Jace. He was sweating profusely but she didn't appear to notice. "You look very familiar to me, have we met before?"

Jace racked his brain for a recollection of her. They definitely hadn't hooked up, thank the Angel, because Clary was the only mundane he'd every kissed. Technically, Clary wasn't a mundane, so he'd never kissed a "normal" girl.

Brother Zachariah moved and his hand was suddenly on Jace's elbow, still invisible to everyone else. "Answer her Jace. It's not polite to keep a beautiful woman waiting."

Jace looked back at Brother Zachariah and was confused. He had his hood down and Jace could see his face wasn't scarred like the other Silent Brothers. In fact Brother Z was young and handsome. He was also staring at Tessa Gray with a look of adoration. Jace wasn't sure what was going on with Brother Z, but it was strange behavior and this young lady was the trigger.

Jace shook Tessa's hand. "I…I…don't think we've m…m…met before. I have a really f…f…familiar face." Jace took a deep breath, "Thank you for taking time to meet with me today. I'm a little nervous, first job and all." Stuttering was apparently part of his mundane charm, wonderful!

"That's understandable. Well, Jordan will teach you the ropes. Can you be here tomorrow morning at 7:30 sharp?"

"Yes mam," he finally made eye contact for the first time and got himself under control. "Thanks for the opportunity."

"You're welcome Jace. I look forward to working with you. See you both in the morning," she smiled and walked back to her office.

Jordan caught Jace's gaze, "Dude I was worried you were going to lose it there for a minute. Don't be nervous, if I can do this job, you can do this job."

Jace ran his sweaty palm through his hair, "I trust you man. There might be one thing we need to work on tomorrow - I don't know how to ride a bike. My pretend old man never taught me, didn't feel it was necessary; can't exactly kill a demon on a bike."

"No worries. We'll figure it out." Jordan motioned for Jace to follow him to his truck.

Jordan had come through with the mundane job. Jace didn't like feeling indebted to people, but he definitely owed Jordan for the job and Simon, well Simon for everything else. He hopped in the passenger side of the truck and they headed back to the apartment.

I hope you enjoy reading this chapter. I'm working on Chapter 9 now and will try to post tomorrow.

Thanks for reading! Feedback is always appreciated X