The next day, Clary didn't show up for class. Nobody seemed concerned, except for Jace. He could hardly pay attention while Elemae talked about Vampires and Crossover Breeds; he was too engulfed in his thoughts. How did she know his name? Why is she so secretive? He stroked his jaw where Clary's fist made contact. She left no bruise, but the pain that came with the punch still lingered, even though the physical pain faded minutes after. Jace awoke from his reverie as he caught the words "class dismissed" from Mae. He jumped up out of his seat and bolted for the door, dashing down the corridors, eager to resolve his curiosity.
Clary wasn't in her room, either. Jace had knocked several times to make sure she wasn't just ignoring him. Guessing that she may be in the infirmary, considering that she missed class, he made his way there. When he found it empty, he was at a loss. Not the slightest clue where else she might be, Jace decided to head to the garden. He wanted a nice, quiet place to think without being interrupted.
Jace opened the windowed door that led out to the garden. A blast of fresh, floral air hit him, clearing his head and giving him the urge to look up into the sun. He lifted his head only to find he wasn't alone. "Clary?" Jace asked the figure sitting on the stone bench facing the rose bushes and away from him. She didn't turn to acknowledge him, she stayed hunched over in the same position, focusing on something. "Clary, are you okay?" Jace asked slowly, his voice thick with concern. He started to approach her, half expecting her to be wounded. As he got closer, he noticed her shoulders shaking slightly. Jace approached her very slowly and very cautiously. When he reached her, he touched her shoulder and said, "Clary, what's wrong?" She broke into hysterics and pushed passed him, some of her stray tears landing on the sleeve of his hoodie. "Clary!" he shouted, but she was already gone.
He thought about going after her, trying to comfort her and make her feel better. But then later decided against it, knowing she would only resent him for trying. His head was buzzing with so many questions. As we made his way over to the bench that Clary had been previously sitting on, he noticed a small piece of paper laying face down on it. He reached for it and noticed it was a photograph.
"Jace!" Clary called after him the next day, surging with anger. Jace did an about-face, a smirk spread across his face. "Yes, Clarissa?" He taunted, his smirk growing wider. Clary's felt a rush of anger-induced adrenaline pulsing through her veins. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and thrust him against the nearest wall. Jace's eyes grew wide with shock, a flicker of fear flashed across his face. "Where is it?" She demanded, not loosening her grip. "You took it, I know you did!" She shouted, making Jace squeeze his eyes shut in fear of her fist slamming against his face. "Y-you're picture?" Jace stammered. Without another outburst, Clary through him to the marble floor and dropped to her knees. "I want it back at break, or next time it will be your blood splattered against those pretty white floors." She spat venomously, and stalked off without once looking back.
Jace knew it was a wise decision to lay off of talking to Clary. He knew it would only antagonize her, and he certainly did not want to clean his own blood off the floors of the Institute. So, he did what he was told. At break, he met Clary in the garden with her photo, and didn't question her.
"You play guitar, huh?" Jace asked her timidly, as he handed her the picture. Clary's face was as hard as stone, but Jace could see the sorrow in her eyes. She shook her head, and took the picture from his outstretched hand. Her eyes were on the photograph as she turned it over to see herself at the age of eleven, and a boy with dark brown hair and stunning blue eyes. Clary had a guitar sitting on her lap, and the boy's arm was slung over her shoulder. In the corner of the picture was a purple metallic guitar pick, taped on to it. Tears began accumulating in Clary's eyes, but she blinked them back and glanced back up at Jace. "No, I...I don't." She said, and left the garden to head back for class.
I know it took me forever and 3 days to finish it, and not to mention its exceptionally shitty, but here it is! Review please, they make my day!