Disclaimer: Unfortunately I am not a certain New York Times Best-selling author that happens to be named Cassandra Clare. So, I can not own her New York times bestsellers The Mortal Instruments.

Chapter 18: New Beginnings

Clary

Jace and I had finally stopped making out, and were now waiting for everyone else to get here. Jace swore he'd texted Izzy, but I didn't believe him. So, I texted Simon myself.

Make sure to come straight to Izzy's after school.

Simon texted back fast.

OK be there soon.

I was relieved. If they didn't get here soon, Jace and I would've started making out again.

In the meantime, I was trying to come up with a better way to use the time until they got here. Unfortunately I couldn't think of anything, so I decided to go downstairs to wait on Izzy, Alec, and Simon.

...

When they finally got there, what seemed like hours later, we went upstairs.

Jace

I could see how apprehensive Clary was, so when everyone started asking her questions, I stepped in. "Let me tell you what happened, seeing as how I know the entire story," I said. Clary looked at me gratefully, just as we got top Izzy's room.

We say down on the ground, and I began my story. I told it quickly and efficiently, trying to make it sound less traumatic. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it any less traumatic.

When I was finished, Alec asked, "Where are the scars and bruises of which spoke?"

"Are you questioning the credibility of hey sorry?" I asked incredulously.

"No, I'm just asking a question," Alec replied.

"Jace, it's ok. I'll show them," Clary said. She walked into these bathroom and came out a few moments later, her face devoid of makeup. The look on everyone's face was heartbreaking. It was shock and pain.

Simon

My best friend had been through so much and I hadn't even been there for her. Looking at her now, her face covered in bruises and answers, I realized just how strong she was. Thinking about made me want to cry. She had had to become that strong to survive, and I hadn't been there to help her.

As if sensing my thoughts, she said, "I don't want any of you blaming yourselves for this, it's not your fault."

I didn't know how the hell she knew what until I glanced over at Izzy, and realized I hadn't been the only one thinking it. Izzy had tears pouring down her face. I did the only thing I could think of to calm her down. I hugged her. She buried her face in my chest and sobbed. Me being there great boyfriend I am comforted her the best I could.

Izzy

I was sobbing against my boyfriend's chest wondering if I was a horrible person. Clary had been going through all of this I'm front of me, and I had never even noticed. All the times when abuse was obvious, I still didn't see.

I know Clary told us not to blame ourselves, but I just couldn't help it. I couldn't not blame myself, when everything now seemed sop obvious.

Then I noticed Clary had started crying too, and that was the last straw. My tears broke free, and came down my face in a torrent.

Alec

So that's why she had abandoned us! I couldn't believe it! I had been skeptical at first, but the bruises were undeniable proof. I had the inclination to go next door and kick her brother's ass, just so he could feel the pain he caused her. However, even though I was angry, I knew doing that would not be a good idea.

Besides Clary seemed to be doing pretty well, considering what she had been through. She was currently sitting on Jace's lap, and he had his arms around her. I was happy for them, they were a great couple. Besides, I had Magnus.

Speaking of Magnus, how was he taking the news? I looked over at him and saw tears pouring down his face. I squeezed his hand and smiled at him encouragingly. I would cheer Magnus up. I swore it to myself.

Magnus

Alec was holding my hand and, amazingly, I didn't feel as depressed. I understood what Clary was going through, though only Alec knew that I did.

At least she seemed to be dealing with this pretty well. Although, she had Jace and all of us, so that would have helped.

I could tell Alec was concerned about me, so I gave him small smile and an imperceptible nod, to let him know that I was fine. Then I turned my attention to Clary. I had a question for her.

Jace

My arms were around Clary, and I was assessing the current situation. Magnus and Simon were crying softly, Izzy was sobbing, and Alec was looking sad and, strangely, angry. Overall nobody was looking to good, except for myself and Clary, and that was only because they'd gotten their tears out earlier.

Magnus finally managed to pull himself together enough to ask a question. "Hey, Clary. What are you planning to do about Valentine and Sebastian?"

"I'm going to report him to the authorities. I'll even testify if it's necessary to send them to jail," she said calmly.

After the stress of the day she looked ready to pass out, so I pulled her to a standing position, and practically dragged her to my room. She passed out immediately, and that's when I realized she would be fine whatever happened and so would I.

A/N: I know it took me forever to get this final chapter up, but in my defense I was binge reading all of Rick Riordan's books and it was the first time I read them so yeah. I will be starting a Percabeth story and a multi-fandom, crossover, so I should be busy. And so will my new beta daughterofpercabeth417. I love you guys so much and again I'm sorry it took so long to update.

-Claressia Heronstairschild