Hi! So again, thank you so, so much for the reviews, favorites, and follows. You guys are awesome :D I hope you are all liking the story so far. Please read, review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything regarding The Mortal Instruments series.

-Jace-

I've had the same dream for six days straight. Every day since Monday.

I'm in Java Jones.

It's always the same. I walk to the counter, nobody else is in the café, the smell of coffee is in the air, my feet get stuck, and there's the person that turns the corner. Oh, and I see red. The only difference? Now I know what the red is. Red hair. More specifically, the red hair of a certain girl who ignores me at all costs.

A few seconds of the dream seem to be added on every night, and now Clary makes a nightly appearance in my dreams. She's the one turning the corner. She's the one I see in my peripheral vision.

I wake up on Sunday morning remembering that right before the dream ended, the smell of coffee was getting almost intoxicating, and I turned to see who the other person in Java Jones was. It was Clary. She stood right by the corner she had previously turned, and looked at me with a smile. I smiled back, and then… nothing.

I wake up.

I lay in bed staring at my ceiling, thinking about the dream, thinking about how the rest of the first school week has gone. Is it the way I have been planning? Nope. And why is that?

Two words.

Clary Fray.

Izzy and I had hit some unexpected traffic on the way to school on Monday, and we were late. I hate being late. I absolutely loathe being late. And here I was at the start of what was going to be my perfect year being late to stupid art class. I knew I could get away with it, whereas Izzy did not slip into her English class without receiving a tardy. Another thing she added on her list of revenge for me. Great.

I ran to art, making sure nobody saw Jace Lightwood in any other state than calm, cool, and collected. I had taken a five second breather before entering the grand class otherwise known as general art. Everything looked normal as I had entered the room. Everyone turned their heads to look at the intruder, and when they saw it was me, I was either drooled at or glared at. What can I say? I have a reputation and I'm just that stunningly attractive.

I made up some typical 'Jace' excuse as to why I was late, not even noticing the girl standing next to Madame D. Only when my teacher addressed her did I see her. How did I not notice her as soon as I walked in?

This girl was… beautiful. Red hair. Pure, green eyes. Light practically radiated off of her. There was just this- this liveliness. And yet, she was staring at me with this look of contempt.

Madame D apologized to her for her new desk partner, yours truly, as she went to get ready to start the class. Clary was heading towards the only vacant desk by the window.

Oh this was going to be fun.

I slipped into the seat she had been heading towards, and put my most charming and seductive smile on. Instead of blushing, she just took the other seat without a comment. That was weird.

I tried talking to her as Madame D started the class, but she wouldn't budge. All I would get were these really annoying one word answers from her or a sarcastic response whenever I asked her something. Her head was ducked in her sketch book the entire class. Forget about flirting, I was lucky to get a nod. So I gave up for the moment. She was going to be a challenge, and boy did I like a challenge.

I insisted on taking her to her next class, getting absolutely nothing out of her along the way when somebody yelled my name. Well, my old name that is. I could feel myself tense as I turned to see exactly who I had expected, that asshole Sebastian Verlac.

Clary looked at me funny when I told her where her class was. She had asked me something and I had answered automatically. I already had my focus on a certain black haired demon.

I walked over to where he was standing with two other guys whose names I didn't even know. I hated him, and he knew it. He seemed to think that we were alike. I guess you could call him good looking, but really, I'm clearly the more attractive one hands down. We both had had our fair share of girls, but I was nothing like him. I always set the record straight with a girl making it clear that I didn't do relationships. I didn't do anything that involved commitment. I didn't do the whole 'love' thing. I just wanted to have fun. But Sebastian? He would catch a girl with his claws, get her to fall in love with him, and then shatter her heart.

He thought of it as some sick game.

I admit, I had broken many girls' hearts, but only because they thought they could change me or they thought they loved me. They were so sure they'd be the one to make me see 'the light.' Sebastian was twisted. He loved acting sweet and loving, and then he would manipulate and play with the girl's heart until it was as if there was nothing left.

"Verlac," I spat out as I soon as I was close enough for him to hear.

"Wow Wayland, you don't waste time, do you?" He asked as if we were in on some kind of secret.

"As enjoyable as it is trying to delve into your psychotic mind to understand what you mean, I'm going to pass," I said as I turned to leave.

He grabbed my shoulder none too gently and I could feel every muscle in my body tense, ready to fight. "I mean, that you didn't even give the rest of us a fair shot at the new girl and you already have your stamp on her," the other two guys nodded their heads in agreement.

I felt my jaw twitch at that. Clary? She wasn't something to put a stamp on.

"Look," I started, "trust me when I say she's just like the rest of them," I lie, "she's no different than the girls we've already got here." I gritted my teeth. If he knew just how the opposite Clary seemed to be from other girls in the forty five minutes I had known her, she would be a glorious new game for him.

Sebastian smirked at that. "Or… you just want her to yourself. Don't worry, I'll get my chance." He gave me a creepy wink while releasing my shoulder and then walked toward a classroom a little ways down the hallway. I felt what I could only assume was anger wash over me. I expected it to be the kind I get when he makes a snide comment about Izzy, but it felt different. I made a promise then and there that like Izzy, he would not touch Clary as long as I was around.

I kind of brushed off what Sebastian had said as the day progressed, and by the next day it was a thing in the past. Clary though, was exactly the same. She would not give me the time of day.

I tried for two days to talk to her, and all I got were mumbled one word answers while she either worked on her art project or drew in her sketchbook, which she always conveniently kept out of my sight.

Plus, she avoided me.

I would look for her in the halls after Bio, but she'd be gone, or I'd see her red hair bobbing in the crowd of students, rushing to get away. The only time I really saw her was art class or when she was with that nerd. I couldn't remember his name, but he reminded me of a rat… I thought maybe she was just shy or something, so I started to ask around about her.

And I got the same response every time.

"She's so nice."

"She's really funny, and doesn't take crap from anybody."

"Did you hear what she said to Kaelie on the first day?"

Well then why is she ignoring me? My bad reputation? Is she just not interested?

No, that can't possibly be it.

Well, I'll change her mind if it is. I just have to figure out how to get her attention.

And better yet? It seems that Izzy is becoming quick friends with her. I thought of asking her about Clary, but Izzy would see right through me. I have never asked her about a girl before, and asking her about Clary would raise red flags.

Alec ended up not making it back for the weekend, so I couldn't talk to him about it either, not that I would anyways. I don't ever talk to my siblings about that kind of stuff. Actually, Max is really the only one I ever tell what I'm thinking and feeling. I trust Alec and all, but he always has a comment. Max sits and listens, and doesn't judge.

Maybe I'll talk to him later.

Instead, I lay here in bed, thinking about how I am going to catch that red head's attention. Get her to talk to me. I mull it over in my mind, and it's like a light bulb literally clicks in my head.

If she doesn't murder me on the spot, I will get what I want.

I know how to get her attention.

-Clary-

The first week of school is done. I survived, and I have to say, I think I'm going to like it at Alicante High.

I had recapped everything to Jon the night before when he called. It had been the first time I had talked to him since last Sunday, a week ago. I laughed as he told me how much harder college was compared to high school, and how I should enjoy the 'senior slide' as much as possible. He was stressed, but he seemed happy, and maybe a little relieved, that I was doing okay, as if he truly had expected otherwise.

Mom and Luke had kind of had the same response as well. I don't think any of them thought I would be happy here, even though they had had the smiling faces that first day. Now all anybody was doing was smiling and laughing, it was… nice.

Sometimes when we move, it's like everyone is living in their own world, and it takes a while before we all get back in sync with each other, but not this time. Maybe New York will become a permanent fixture in our lives.

It's early on Sunday as I roll over to look at my alarm clock. 7 AM. Paint and coffee are at it again, waking me up. The smell isn't completely overwhelming, it actually kind of relaxes me, so I roll onto my back and think about the week's events with a smile.

After getting away from Jace, I had gone into Bio to find Simon sitting in the back corner of the room. My goofy grin was mirrored in his face as I walked down to sit next to him.

"This is awesome," he had said, "we can pass out together when we dissect the frogs."

I rolled my eyes at him, "I'm not the one who faints at the sight of blood."

He didn't argue that, just shrugged and asked me how my first class had gone. I told him how Mr. Starkweather had gotten me into two art classes, and how I really liked Madame Dorthea. Then he asked me how I had found this class and managed to get here on time. I was hoping to avoid that.

"Oh," I commented flippantly, "that Lightwood jerk insisted on showing me where it was."

Simon frowned, "You mean Jace?"

I looked at him, and he didn't seem happy. "Don't worry Si, I can see he's a player. I was just the last one in class, and he offered to help me. No biggie." I didn't mention how Jace tried flirting with me. Even if I had told Simon I had ignored Jace's attempts at flirting, I could tell he wouldn't be happy.

Thankfully, he seemed to be content with what I said.

"Okay. So, lab partner, you do realize that we learned all the technical stuff about dissecting last year, so we'll be starting off with it next week."

No. I hadn't realized that, but I had dissected a worm last year down in Florida. Same concept, right?

"Oh don't you worry, I'll catch you when you pass out," I joked while putting a hand to my forehead as if I was fainting.

This time I got the eye roll from him, but he didn't deny it. Dissecting day would be interesting.

I had sat in the cafeteria with Simon at lunch, along with his gamer friend Maia and her boyfriend Jordan. I had met Maia once over the summer one day at Simon's and I had really liked her. She had dark skin and dark hair, and was very laid back, and after talking to Jordan for less than five minutes, I could tell the four of us would get along just fine.

All in all, aside from the encounter with Kaelie and being annoyed by Jace, the first day went great. I told my mom that when I went home, and she let out the breath she had been holding since I had come into the studio to talk to her. She was genuinely happy, something that seemed to be rare sometimes, unless of course, the whole family was together and we hadn't just moved.

Then on Tuesday, I discovered that our little group of four at lunch was going to get some company.

In my efforts to escape the attention of Jace after leaving Bio, I had practically sprinted down the science department hallway, colliding with another person. All of our stuff went flying in every direction in the hall, being trampled by the passing students.

I kept apologizing and saying how much of a klutz I was, because I seriously have two left feet, as I tried to pick the girl's and my stuff up without getting trampled myself.

"Don't worry about it," she laughed as she tried picking up our stuff as well. We were both failing. Sighing in defeat we stood on the side of the hallway until the halls cleared, guaranteeing tardies for us.

"No, now you'll be late," was my only response as we resumed picking up our stuff.

"Eh, it's not like it's the first one, so it's all good," she responded.

I looked at her, and she was very, very pretty. She had a skin tight black skirt on with a flowy pink top. I looked at her feet to see heels with at least five inches. "You're lucky you didn't break your ankle with those shoes when I crashed into you. They look like death machines." I was wearing my light blue converse that day, level with the ground.

She laughed at that, "I'm a pro. No worries," she handed me back a notebook and folder and stretched out her hand to me, "I'm Isabelle. You're the new girl, right?"

I shook her hand, "Yeah, Clarissa, but call me Clary."

"Well Clary," she said as her smile grew, "call me Izzy."

"Nice to meet you Izzy," I smiled as well, "we should get going before we get detention."

"Sounds good," she laughed, "hey, how would you like to join me for lunch?"

I looked at her, confused. "I just literally barreled you over in a hallway full of people and could have sent you to the hospital if you broke your ankle in those heels."

She laughed again, "Call me crazy, but I think we could be good friends."

Funny thing? I had thought the same thing, so I agreed to have lunch with her, and she joined us at our lunch table that day, bringing her friend Aline Penhallow as well. Apparently they normally sit with that girl Kaelie, whom Izzy calls the 'Queen Slut,' but they couldn't stand her.

To make a long story short, Izzy and Aline ate lunch with us every other day this week, and Izzy was right, we were becoming good friends. Everyone got along great at the table, and we practically laughed the entire time. Simon, who didn't talk to anyone really, even chimed into conversations. It looked like Izzy had caught his eye.

I found out Izzy's last name was Lightwood, sister of a certain blonde haired devil who coincidentally was asking around about me in school. I had heard this piece of information from Aline who had mentioned to me on Thursday that Jace was asking people what they knew about me. I'm sure he wasn't finding out anything too interesting. I guess ignoring him was getting under his skin.

I told Izzy on Friday, and she shrugged it off, saying to stay away from him, that he was trouble and she would not allow her brother to hurt her friend.

I already had that covered. I had ignored Jace all this week. I avoided him, muttered vague answers when he asked me something, and tried not to look at him every morning in art. I even bit my tongue whenever a sarcastic remark was begging to slip through my lips, which was very, very often might I add.

I'm not playing his game.

I stare at a picture of Jon and me that we took in Florida sitting on my night stand in my room, thinking about Jace. He does not fit into my plan. I have friends here. I have Simon. I have Izzy. I have Maia, Jordan, and Aline. I do not need the attention of any player to ruin what seems to be the start of a perfect senior year.

You hear that Jace Lightwood? I am not interested.

Okay, so it's starting to get a little busy now, but I'm going to try to keep these weekly updates going. I really want to know what you guys think so far. Like it? Don't like it? Want it continued? Etc. Constructive criticism is more than welcome, as well as theories, comments, thoughts, or anything else you want to say. I really want to know what you guys think, so please leave a review :) Thanks for reading!