Author's notes: Hey guys, so for those of you who didn't get it, which I hope would be none of you, Sebastian and Clary are NOT siblings in this story. I do not roll like that so yeah, I hope that made the story clearer to those of you who were unsure. Also, I know Juilliard isn't a visual arts school but I thought it went into the story so well so yeah (:
Cassandra Clare owns The Mortal Instruments series.
Enjoy! (:
Chapter Two
Clary pushed open the door to her favourite diner in Manhattan, Taki's. She had always gone there after a long day at school or to meet up with one of her friends. Like she was now. She had received a call from one of her good friends, Maia Roberts, who she had known since their freshmen year in high school. Maia had practically screamed into the mouthpiece, claiming she had super-awesome-mega-tastic news to share.
Clary loved Taki's for their coffee and coconut pancakes. She also liked that Taki's had that whole 'old diner' vibe going for it. It looked like somewhere the cast of Grease constantly ate at; from the black and white checkered tiles to the plush red booths. She let the smell of bacon waft into her nose as she stepped inside. She scanned the seats for Maia and eventually found her at the back of the diner.
"Hey," Clary smiled as she sat across from Maia in the small booth.
"Hey! I'm so glad you made it," Maia said enthusiastically.
"Anything for my Maia," Clary laughed, "So what's the great news?"
Maia gave a small smile and immediately lifted her left hand up to meet her eyes.
"Oh crap, I think I have something in my eye," Maia complained and that's when Clary noticed the golden ring glistening on Maia's fourth finger.
"Oh my-Maia, is this for real?" Clary's eyes widened, her hand shot for Maia's while she scrutinized the band of gold wrapped around Maia's finger.
"Yes, I know it's so crazy right, but Jordan was so romantic about it," Maia explained as she motioned to her ring.
"Your right, it's crazy." Clary agreed, "Your 19. 19 Maia, you've hardly lived your life!"
"I know that Clary, and I'm ready to live the rest of my life, just with Jordan." Maia confirmed.
"What about the costs? Your piggy bank won't cut it." Clary argued.
"I talked to my parents and their willing to pay for the expenses of the wedding, just as long as I'm serious about it." Maia answered.
"And are you? Absolutely serious about this?" Clary asked.
"Of course I am Clary, I wouldn't be wearing this ring if I wasn't. Just please, please be happy for me Clary. I don't think I can do this if you're not on board."
Maia gave Clary a pleading look, her brown eyes wide and pushing Clary to agree. Clary sucked in a deep breath and exhaled noisily, "Of courseeeee I'm on board Maia, you and Jordan are a match made in heaven and if you're completely serious about marrying him now, I'm going to support you through it all." Clary said thoughtfully.
"Clary thank-you so much. You seriously are the greatest friend I could ever have, which reminds me, I also wanted to ask you if you would give me the pleasure of being my Maid of Honour?" Maia smiled eagerly.
"Are you serious? Yes, a million yes's!" Clary gasped, "So have you told Simon?"
Simon was the other member of their trio. He was the Gordo to their Lizzie and Miranda. He was their much needed brother and at times overpowering mother.
"Not yet, I invited him down here but he couldn't come," Maia said sadly.
"Let me guess, he's studying?" Clary laughed.
"Worse. Dungeons and Dragons with his band." Maia answered.
The two laughed for a moment before Maia added, "So how's Juilliard treating you?"
"Good, great actually. I'm going to be moving into the dorms soon which should be fun." Clary said.
"Any guys?" Maia asked deviously.
"No," Well that wasn't the complete truth, Cammie thought. She had met Jace…
"No," Cammie said firmly, "Nothing."
Maia raised a suspicious eyebrow at Clary, "There's something you're not telling me, I can feel it."
"What are you talking about? I'm telling you the truth. If I even had a small fraction of a love life I would keep you posted, but as for now you're going to have to listen to my rants on the majestic creature that is Joshua Hutcherson." Clary laughed.
"Oh please," Maia rolled her eyes, "I'm okay thanks."
The two spent the next few minutes laughing and sipping on their coffees that must have somehow arrived when they were discussing the new name Simon's band had finally agreed on, Millennium Lint. Eventually Maia's phone lit up and jived across the table.
"It's Jordan; he wants to discuss some wedding plans already," Maia smiled, "He is such a girl at times."
Clary laughed at the mental image of Jordan deciding on either teal or aqua for the colour of their drapes. Maia got up from her seat and Clary soon followed.
"Thank you, for everything Clary. You are far too amazing." Maia complimented.
"I know," Clary gave a sly wink and gave her best friend a hug, "Tell Jordan I said congratulations."
"Will do," Maya nodded and was soon out the door and walking towards her car parked across the road. Clary checked her watch, 11:46. She had to go to Jocelyn and Luke's house to pick up her things so she could finally move into her dorm on campus.
Clary slipped out of the diner and began to walk to her bike locked up near the emergency generator. Clary didn't have a car because a) she could nowhere near afford one and b) she preferred biking around Manhattan because it apparently gave her hair that 'windblown look'. She unlocked her black and gold Nike and pedalled down the path to her mother and stepfather's house. It was well out of the city but Clary was used to the long distance.
When Clary finally saw the cobble path leading to their door she hopped of her bike and pulled out her keys from her hoodie.
"Clary?" Jocelyn called from down the hall.
"Hey mum," Clary replied as she shut their wooden door behind her.
"We're in the kitchen sweetie!" Jocelyn announced. Clary padded down the hallway, passing pictures of her as a toddler, Jocelyn and Luke's wedding day and other family memories.
"Clare bear! You're home" Jocelyn squeeled as she wrapped Clary in a tight hug.
"Yeah mum, don't you remember? You and Luke were going to help me move in," Clary replied.
"Of course we remembered Clary, but are you sure you want to live on campus? I mean you have to deal with all those noisy parties and roomates…" Luke trailed off.
"Luke, these are my college years, meaning these are the years where I glow brightly." Clary joked.
"Alright, well just so you know, your mother and I would always be delighted if you wanted to ever move back in with us." Luke added.
"Thank you." Clary nodded, "So are we doing this thing or not?"
/
"Okay, so are you sure this is how you want it?" Luke asked once more, motioning to Clary's dresser.
"Yes, I promise," Clary laughed.
"Now your positive? Absolutely positive?" Luke asked finally.
Clary heaved a sigh, "Yes, I'm positive. Now thank you both for helping me move in."
"You're welcome sweetie, is this all?" Jocelyn asked.
"About, I have a few more boxes but it's just some small things." Clary shrugged.
"Alright Clary, well Luke and I have to go, but call us if anything happens." Jocelyn said as she embraced Clary in another hug.
"Bye guys," Clary forced out of her trampled lungs.
"Bye kiddo!" Luke called as he closed the door behind him.
Finally, Clary thought, some alone time. She glanced at the black and white clock hanging above her door. It was 2:05 and her roommate still hadn't shown up. Clary wondered what she would be like. Was she a party animal? Or a complete bookworm? Clary didn't even know what she wanted her roommate to be like. She opened up the brown cardboard box on her bed and took out some photo frames of her family and friends. She picked up one of her, Maia and Simon at an underage club downtown called Pandemonium. They were only 16 at the time but they still managed to have fun. Their hair was damp with sweat from all the dancing and their tongues dyed a distinguished purple from the drinks they had.
Clary awoke from her reverie by a knock at her door. She assumed it was either Jocelyn or Luke forgetting something or even her roommate who accidently locked herself out. Clary stumbled off the bed and opened her door.
"Hey," Jace smiled.
"Uh- hi," Clary replied with wide eyes. She was not expecting that.
"You seem surprised to see me," Jace asked quizzically.
"No, not surprised at all. Come in," Clary opened the door wider and stepped aside to make room for him.
"I saw a lady that looked just like you but older leaving so I assumed it was your mother," Jace explained, "I take it I was right."
"Yeah, you were." Clary smiled.
"Have you met your roommate yet?" Jace asked, scanning the small dorm.
"Surprisingly no, for all I know she could have 8 eyes and tentacles." Clary joked.
"I would hope not," Jace smiled, "Mine's chill. He knows what a shower is and we have the same taste in music so there must be a God."
Clary gave a small laugh. She wondered if her roommate would be chill. What if she was the complete opposite? What if she was rude and inconsiderate and-
"You're thinking too hard." Jace interrupted.
"What?" Clary asked dazed.
"You were scrunching your forehead and biting your lip." Jace analysed. Clary felt her cheeks turn a deep crimson. She bowed her head, hoping to navigate Jace's attention elsewhere.
"Don't be embarrassed, it's the simple signs." Jace shrugged.
"You sound like you know a lot about this stuff?" Clary asked quizzically.
"Maybe I do, look there was an actual reason I came here." Jace confirmed.
"And what might that be?" Clary asked.
"I came to ask if you wanted to go get a bite to eat," Jace smiled.
"That sounds very appealing. Yes, where are we going?" Clary asked as she grabbed her coat from her closet.
"This little diner I found not far from here, Taki's I think it's called, anyway you ready?" Jace called.
Clary could not believe her luck. "Yeah, I'm ready." She smiled.
Author's Notes: So hopefully the real stuff will start happening soon-ish but thank you so much for reading! Please leave me a review, I would love to hear your comments on the story thus far. Have a great day! (:
-Biiankah