Chapter 8: Pudding and Gummy Worms
Jon was leaning against my car waiting for me when practice was over. The closer I got the more troubled his features became.
Damn Sebastian, I thought, he probably told the whole team. Well, looks like I'd have to face Jon all on my own.
"Hey Jon," I smiled up at him innocently, "How was practice."
"Would've been better if not for stupid Seb," he stated crossing his arms over his chest, I sighed.
"So I guess that means you know," I told him walking around to the drivers side and unlocking my car.
"Why Clare, I mean Seb? Really? You know how he is and on top of that the entire team had to hear about your little date on Friday,"
I grimaced, slightly as I climbed into the car. I don't know why I thought he wouldn't pull something like this.
"Why not Jon? I mean he asked and it's not like I don't know him," I said as he climbed in after me and I started the car, "And I can take care of myself."
I sighed again, and placed my had on top of my hands where they lay on the steering wheel, "Besides its been almost 6 months since..." I trailed off and the sympathetic look on his face when I looked towards him told me he knew exactly what I would've said if it didn't hurt so much.
"Okay Clare-Bear," he said softly and put a soothing hand on my shoulder, "just please...be careful."
I gave him a soft smile and nodded before finally leaving school grounds and heading home.
~•~•~
Friday At Lunch
"So Cricket what are you wearing tonight?" Magnus asked, while stealing one of Alec's cookies, making the blue-eyed boy pout.
"Umm, I'm not sure, to be honest I don't even know where he's taking me," I said sheepishly ignoring the nickname Mags had given me. There were so many already that I lost count.
"What?!" Isabelle and Magnus screeched at the same time, effectively making both of their poor boyfriends cover their ears.
"Well he said he wanted it to be a surprise, so it might be dinner, or skating, or well..anything really," I told them already knowing the next thing they were gonna say.
"We're coming over after school," Isabelle replied for the both of them in a voice that told me there was no way of getting out of this, "But before we dress you we have to know where you're going," she said getting up and walking to where some of the football players sat at lunch.
She leaned down and whispered in Seb's ear. He responded with a grin on his face and Izzy squealed and practically skipped back over to over lunch table. Leaving me flabbergasted at the fact that she didn't trip on her 5 inch heels.
"Wow, with that reaction I should take you wherever he's taking Clary," Simon said and wrapped an arm around Isabelle's waist as she sat back down.
"No, so not my thing. But it is Clary's thing," she looked at me and grinned.
"So are you just gonna leave us wondering or are you gonna tell us where he's taking her?" Maia questioned, Jordan nodding in agreement.
With that Izzy whispered in Simons ear, with me only catching her telling him to pass it on. Effectively starting a game of telephone.
"Iz was right, that is your thing Clare-Bear ," Alec said, and I glared at him.
"So you're all just gonna leave me in the dark?" I whined, suddenly in desperate need of pudding.
"Oh definitely," Jon said, from behind me. I turned around and hit him in the stomach. Not even bothering to try and reach his arm while he was standing and I was sitting.
"Fine," I said standing, "I'm going to get pudding," I looked towards the cafeteria and frowned when I noticed how far it would be to walk all the way inside and then wait in the ever present line. I searched the outdoor lunch area, for potential pudding prey.
I smiled when I spotted Seb's unopened treat. Jon took my seat as I walked over to the football players table, catching sight of Jace and the bimbo on his lap sitting next to Raphael from the corner of my eye. I walked up to Sebastian and flashed him a smile.
"Hey Seb," I greeted and placed myself into the space between him and a line backer whose name I didn't know, my back pressed against the wooden table of the picnic table seating.
"Hey Clare," he smiled at me and I had to admit he had a pretty nice smile, "what brings you all the way over here?" He questioned.
"Well two things," I told him, suddenly feeling a pair of eyes bore into my back, if it was Jace or his bimbo, I couldn't be sure and I refused to turn around, "the first is...why won't you tell me where we're going?" I pouted as he turned towards me.
"Because it's a surprise Clary," he rolled his eyes playfully, "and surprises are meant to be kept from the person being surprised."
I groaned, and Sebastian and a few other at the table chucked at me. I glared at him then turn my glare to the others around the table, my eyes quickly passing the pair of blondes, "So does everyone know but me?" I asked even more annoyed than before.
"Yeah, Morgenstern, pretty much," Raphael answered, a smug smile on his face.
"Ugh, fine, guess I'll just have to wait then," I said and pouted once again.
Sebastian looked at me, a soft smile still playing on his lips, "So what was the second thing?" He asked
My brows furrowed, "Huh?"
"You said you came over for two things, remember?" He replied and it clicked, the reason I came over in the first place.
"Oh yeah," I said and shifted slightly as who's ever eyes were looking in my direction became uncomfortable, "Can I have your pudding?" I said sweetly smiling cheekily.
He laughed at me, "Sure Clary," he said and handed it to me.
I smiled up at him, "You're the best," I told him taking it from his had and getting up, wiping off the back of light blue ripped jeans
He smiled innocently, "Don't forget it," I began to walk away and waved a goodbye to the other guys at the table.
~•~•~
Jace POV
I don't know why I felt like smiling when Clary came over to our table. I smirked when Kaelie said something dirty in my in place of rolling my eyes at her sluttiness —that's a word right?— while Clary sat next to Verlac. I have to admit I was less than thrilled when he announced their date the other day at practice but then I shrugged it off, not thinking much of it and telling myself that I don't get caught up on girls. But for some reason now that she was sitting here, her back to me, all I could think about was being in Verlac's place instead of with Kaelie, and for some reason I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Don't get me wrong, Kaelie's good for relief and whatnot, but damn was that girl an airhead. Kaelie is the definition of a dumb blonde.
"Hey Jace," she whispered in my ear in a way that, I guess, was supposed to be seductive, "How about we get out of here, the red head is really killing my mood."
"In a few," I replied my eyes but shifting from Clary as she turned he head and glared at everyone around the table, her eyes barely even looking at Kaelie and I.
I don't even blame her, I'd be pissed too after what went down between the two girls at lunch the other day.
I sighed, and Kaelie barely noticed my mood change as she moved to kiss my neck. I saw Clary get up and wave goodbye to the the guys.
~•~•~
After Cheer Practice
CPOV
Izzy, Magnus, Alec, Simon, Maia, Jordan, and Jace came to our house after cheer and football practice and we're staying over for the weekend. We got home just after 6 but lucky for me Seb and I agreed to move the time back to 8:30 so I had a bit of time before I actually had to get ready, or so I thought.
"Okay," Isabelle began cheerfully as soon as we stepped foot inside the house, "time for you to go get ready for the big date," she said smiling like a weirdo and hooked her elbow with mine.
Before I could get a complaint out Magnus took the other elbow, "No buts, now go shower while Maia, Izzy, and I all pick out something for you to wear."
I was shooed up the stairs by a grinning Maia while the boys decided to watch Sports Center in the living room. Big change for them considering that that they'd usually go straight to the basement. I shrugged and chalked it up to them being tired and lazy. Though it was probably a mixture of both.
"Ugh," I groaned and headed into the bathroom , towel, undergarments, and a change of clothes in hand.
~•~•~
I came out 25 minutes later feeling refreshed and relaxed. I troweled my hair dry as I walked into my room wearing black nike pro shorts and a gray Full Metal Alchemist t-shirt, not nearly ready for what came next.
"Finally," Maia sighed in relief from my bed, "Thought you escaped through the window on us," I laughed and took a seat next to her.
"Where are Izzy and Mags?" I asked checking the time on my phone; 6:47pm. Maia pointed to the door of the walk-in closet which was slightly ajar and you could hear the argument coming from the other side of the door.
"No," Magnus said, "green makes her eyes pop."
"That won't matter much with where they're going," Iz retorted, scoffing. My ears perked at that hoping that she'd say more in hopes that I could figure out where exactly Seb was taking me.
"Besides," Isabelle continued, "Blue makes her hair stand out," I smiled, amused at the whole situation.
"Don't I get a say in this?" I called in the direction of the closet.
"No," they replied loudly at the same time.
Isabelle poked her head out, "Now run along until we can find you an outfit," I pouted as she looked to Maia, "You too, I don't want her trying to get any information out of the guys, so I'm tasking you with keeping an eye on her."
Maia nodded and stood up holding her hand out for me to get up and go with her. I took it and we hooked our elbows together and made our way downstairs. Surprisingly the guys were still in the living room, watching cartoons. Maia went to sit with her boyfriend while I rolled my eyes at the sight, fighting back a laugh as I made my way into the kitchen to get something to drink.
I walk in expecting to be alone, but found Jace there instead, cold water bottle in hand.
I walked towards him and stared at him for a second before placing my hand in top of the one holding the water bottle. Our gazes locked, for a second before I plucked the cool beverage from his hand, "Thanks, I needed something cool to drink," I said and walked back to the living room leaving him standing in the middle of kitchen, Staring at absolutely nothing, mouth slightly open. I smirked, that'll teach him not to take that bimbos side.
~•~•~
I had just gotten comfortable in the plush lazy big recliner when Isabelle shrieked my name through the house. I sighed and stood.
I looked solemnly at everyone in the living room and pretended to pick up a piece of paper from the coffee table and read it, "If I, Clary Morgenstern, do not survive this brutality of detangling, makeup application, and countless wardrobe changes, I leave my entire Manga collection to Simon Lewis," Simon nodded a sad thank you, "I leave my video game collection to my dear friend Maia Roberts and her lover Jordan Kyle," Maia laughed when I said lover and Jordan blushed, and damn did I wish I had a camera. "Also to my dearest brother Jonathan Christo—"
"CLARY!" Isabelle yelled now at the top of the stairs, "Don't make me drag you up here small fry."
"Coming," I shouted back, "Wish me luck," they laughed at me except for Alec and Simon who knew the firsthand wrath of their other halves.
Simon put 3 fingers in the air the others soon followed—even Jace—as Simon whistled the famous hunger games tune.
It was my turn to laugh as walked up the stars and into my room, where the torture awaited.
I finally got up the stairs and into my room where I found Magnus still picking a pair shoes while Izzy waited for me to take a seat at the vanity.
I checked the time on my phone, which I'd left upstairs to charge before sitting down at the vanity; 7:03pm. I bit my lit in anticipation before looking at Izzy in the mirror.
"So I was thinking that we could leave it down, part it in the middle, and pull back the sides with this clip," she said referring to a black clip with blue swirling designs. I smiled slightly.
"Sounds great," she smiled back at me in the mirror, "But Iz," I stated.
"Hm?"
"Easy on the makeup."
She nodded and smiled at me.
~•~•~
An hour and twenty minuets later I was finally ready to go. And I had to say Izzy and Mags did a damn good job at dressing me up.
I smiled at myself in the mirror, this girl couldn't be me, she looked far too confident, far too happy. When I moved, however, so did she. My hair was pulled back elegantly and my curls didn't look so terrible messy for once. My makeup consisted of pink lipgloss, mascara, light foundation, and a hint of pale blue eyeshadow.
I looked down at my outfit which consisted of a loose fitting, sleeveless royal blue blouse with a red baby doll collar that was stylishly tucked into high waisted black opaque leggings. In addition to that Magnus picked out my favorite pair of black lace up wedges.
To top it off I had my usual heart shaped diamonds in my ears and silver bracelets. However because I had leggings that means I needed a shoulder bag. It was small and black with just the right amount of space to fit my phone, money, gum, etc.
I turned to my two friends, "So what do think?" Izzy asked looking nervous.
"I love it," I told them honestly a grin breaking out across my face, I walked over and hugged them both as Iz handed me my black leather jacket.
"C'mon," Mags said, pulling us from the room and down the stairs, "Sebastian should be here soon."
When we got down stairs we were greeted by the guys and Maia. Uh oh, this meant it was 'lecture' time. Jace stood slightly to the side, looking a little confused as to why they all had to greet me at the stairs, but he's about to find out. Jon was the first to speak, after inspecting my outfit and making sure it was 'appropriate'. I rolled my eyes and and felt a pang of sorrow after it reminded me of my first date with him.
"Now Clary, you already know the rules but we're going to repeat them anyways," Jon began nodding at the others.
"Stay out past 3 and we're calling the cops," Simon stated seriously.
"Always keep and eye on your drink," Alec said.
"Remember everything you learned in those self defense classes dad made us take," Jon said, standing up straighter.
"A kick in the nuts is always an effective way of stopping a guy," Jordan added with a smirk.
"You have all of us on speed dial," Maia said and went through which number was whose, I giggled inwardly.
"Don't go anywhere with a stranger," Mags said poking me in the side.
"And Clare you don't have to do anything you don't want to," Izzy said before bending to whisper in my ear, "but in case you want to do anything there's a little gold something in your bag," she winked at me when she pulled away and I blushed.
"Do we have to go through this every time," I said, half annoyed half touched to have people who cared this much about me.
"Don't worry Clare-Bear, we'll stop when you're married," Maia told me cheekily. I rolled my eyes and checked the time on my phone 8:32pm.
The doorbell rang, and they all went into the living room while Jon went to answer the door.
"One more thing," Jace said, though I hadn't realized that he didn't leave with the others. He walked up to me, I was still standing on the last stair so we were nearly face to face before he reached a hand up behind my head and I felt the clip in my hair being removed, "You look way better with your hair down," he said, as our gazes locked and he handed me my clip. I was so entranced that all I could do was nod stupidly.
"Clare-Bear, your boy toy is waiting," Jon called out teasingly, effectively bringing me back to reality.
"Coming," I called as I placed the clip into my bag and stepped down the last stair and around Jace.
When I got to the door I could hear Jon threatening Seb by telling him what would happen if he hurt me in any way, shape, or form.
"Hey Seb," I greeted with a smile on my face.
"Hey C—," he began, looking at me, "Wow," he said his mouth forming a small 'o' shape, "You look great," he said taking in my full appearance.
I blushed, "Not so bad yourself," I said looking at his dark wash jeans, dark green button up, black leather jacket, and black designer sneakers. His black hair the perfect amount of messy.
"Ready to go?" He asked, smiling at me. I nodded in reply and gave Jon a kiss on the cheek as he gave me a 'be good Elmo' to which I rolled my eyes and took Seb's offered hand so that we could finally start our date.
Seb opened my door for me like the perfect gentleman before hopping into the drivers seat of the black CLA 250 sport Mercedes Benz. Ugh it was beautiful. Yes I have a thing for beautiful modes of transportation, so sue me. We pulled out of my driveway and into the main road when I finally decided to ask, "So where exactly are we going?"
"You'll see," he said smiling.
~•~•~
Twenty minutes later we got to a park slightly on the outskirts of Alicante. It wasn't a bad car ride we kept it simple with light banter here and there and good conversation, the radio playing softly in the background.
"And what exactly are we doing in a park at 9 pm?" I asked curious as he parked and began to get out of the car, jogging over to my side so he could open my door, effectively making my cheeks color slightly.
"Patience Clary," he told me smirking, "it's a virtue, y'know." I rolled my eyes as he went to the trunk and grabbed a picnic basket? I squinted at it for a second before he took my hand in the one that was free and we began to walk deeper into the park. We stopped at a spot that was littered with people here and there, all sitting in front of what looked to be a giant projection screen.
"A little birdie told me that you're a big fan of Rambo," he stated a smug look on his face, "And it just so happens that tonight they will be showing a double feature this evening."
My face lit up and I could only guess that it was Jon's chatty self that probably told everyone on his team, "Are you serious," I said standing there and grinning like an idiot.
"As a heart attack Clare," he said and we walked a bit closer to the screen before he pulled a big blue blanket out of the basket and laying it down on the verdant grass along with two small pillows.
"So does this mean the wait was worth it?" He questioned and I looked to him and smiled nodding my head, "Oh and I got these," he reached into the basket and pulled out a pack of sour gummy worms, "Iz told me they're a 'weakness'," he chuckled, "Whatever that means," he handed them to me and that's when I realized that maybe Seb isn't as bad as everyone thinks. Maybe he's just a big teddy bear like Jon or my dad.
~•~•~
When the second movie started I realized that we were in an entirely different position then before. My side was pressed against Sebastian's and we were both lying down. His head propped up slightly by both of our pillows while my head rested on his arm. My phone vibrated in my bag suddenly and I sighed inwardly knowing it was either Iz or Maia. I pulled my phone out and held it above my head.
"Who's that," Seb asked curious after seeing the contact name DarthVader.
"Its Isabelle," I replied and read her text asking how the date was going.
"But whys her name—y'know what, I don't even think I should ask," he chuckled.
"Good choice," I replied quickly texting back telling her it was actually going really well.
~•~•~
The second movie ended almost too soon for me. I was actually have a good time with Sebastian tonight.
After packing away the blanket in pillows we walked back to his car rather close together. But for some reason I didn't mind the way I would have in the past, tonight made me see Seb in a different light, one that was a nice change from his usual self.
We were back home before I knew it and didn't even have to stop for food because Seb packed us sandwiches and some other little snacks.
It wasn't too long before we were standing on my porch face to face.
"I had a lot of fun tonight Clary," Sebastian said smiling softly.
"Me too," I said returning the smile. He cupped my face with his hand, slowly leaning in as I stood on my toes slightly.
Our lips met in a sweet goodnight kiss. It was soft and subtle, as if he thought I might break. An arm snaked around my waist as I reached up to hold onto his shoulders.
The kissed lasted far longer than I expected before we finally pulled apart, our breathing slightly quicker than normal.
"Goodnight Clary," he said unwrapping his arm and taking his hand from my face.
"Goodnight Sebastian," I replied as he took a step back and smiled at me before walking down the stairs.
He turned back to me before getting into his car, "We'll have to do this again sometime Clare," he called and I nodded before waving at him and he pulled off down the street and out of sight.
I dug through my bag looking for my house key, which was where it should've been, before checking through the pockets of my leather jacket and coming up empty. I groaned in frustration, thinking that it must've fallen out in Seb's car. I opted for ringing the doorbell instead, seeing as they would all most likely still be up since it was only—I checked the time on my phone— 1:03am.
Before I knew what happened the door was thrown open and 2 girls with matching shit-eating grins answered the door and tugged me inside.