Hi guys! Sorry I've been MIA! Just haven't had any inspiration or drive to write at the moment.

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Regards to the comments, right now I don't feel like going into a brand new story because I have other, older ideas that I've been working on and thinking about for much longer. Sorry.

Disclaimer: I don't own TMI, just this plot

Chapter 18: The Fallen and the Broken

August 20th 1942

It's been eight months since America joined the Second World War. That means eight months without the great love of my life. It's 3 days until my birthday, I asked Jace if he could request a leave but I still haven't gotten any news back. I sit at my window seat staring at my ring. The ring that meant the world to me. While looking down at my ring finger my eyes shifted to my absolutely bloated belly. My birthday wasn't the only reason I asked Jace to request a leave.

I reach over to the small coffee table and pick up his letter and my cup of coffee. I take a sip as I look over his letter once again.

My Dearest Clary,

I hope you have not grown impatient with me, I'm awaiting permission for the leave as I write. To be honest I will probably get home before the letter actually reaches you. I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful eyes once again, my love. It will be relief after months of seeing only death and darkness.

I cannot wait to find out what news you have to share with me. The mere thought of being with you and holding you in my arms brings me joy already. Perhaps we can go dancing at the Stork Club when I return?

I'm keeping this short and sweet (like you) for my emotions are too much and I have little time.

I carry you within my heart, always.

Yours, Jace

The Stork Club was where Jace and I first met 5 years ago and then where Jace proposed 3 years before. Pretty much all the big events in our relationship happened there so it makes sense that he wants us to go there for our reunion.

I look up and stare outside my window, still awaiting for my husband to arrive.

"Clary?" I hear my mom call out. "Oh honey, come on. When he comes, he comes. In the meantime, come have lunch. You need to eat properly, not just for you but for the baby." She smiles sweetly.

I smile in return, holding back the feeling of longing and follow her into the dining room.

Isabelle POV

"Izzy! Isabelle!" I heard Max call from downstairs.

"What is it?!" I shout back.

"There's a letter from Jace addressed to me and you!"

My heart leaps in excitement as I run down the stairs.

"Jace? Really? Oh my goodness, what does it say?!"

"I haven't opened it yet!"

"Gimme! Gimme!" I take the envelope and read over the letter.

"Well?" Max asks expectantly.

"He says he loves and misses us and is asking for a favour." I reply. "He wants us to get Clary into the Stork Club the night before her birthday. Aw that's so romantic!"

"So… what does that mean?" He tilts his head.

"That means… I have to take Clary shopping! You tell mom that I'm out alright?" I kiss my little brother's forehead and hurry out with some cash and hurry to Clary's house which was only two blocks away.

Clary POV

I heard a knock on the door and rush toward it. As I swing the door open I am greeted with the feeling of disappointment and excitement at the same time.

"Isabelle?"

"Okay, I know I'm not the Lightwood you expected but I want to take your mind off of things so let's go shopping! Now, put your beautiful red pumps and let's go!"

There was no turning Izzy away so I do as she asked.

"Mom! We're going into town to go shopping!"

"See ya later Mrs. Morgenstern!" Isabelle calls as she pulls me away.

"Bye girls!" She yells from upstairs. We close the door behind us.

We take a bus to the city centre and walk towards our favourite store, Angelic Class.

"I think you should get a tea dress or maybe a gingham dress?"

"What is this for?" I ask, it was pretty sudden.

"Well, it's nearly your birthday, honey! This is my treat."

"That is so sweet, Iz!"

We looked through the racks until I see a dress on a mannequin, it had on a green swing dress with a halter top and black buttons on the bodice.

Izzy must have seen me staring at it. "It's beautiful! It'll totally compliment your eyes." She turned to find a saleslady. "Hi, can we have some help? Do you have that green swing dress in a size small?"

She returns with the dress in hand. "Wanna try it on?"

I smile at her as she gives me the dress then I go into the fitting rooms. I come out and spin.

Isabelle claps happily. "Ah! You look amazing! Now, you have to let me pay."

Two days later

I knew that the Lightwoods were preparing something for me tonight. Maia borrowed her father's car and picked me up.

We arrive at the Stork Club, as we walk in there is a loud "Surprise!" coming from all the guests.

"Happy Almost-Birthday, Clary!" Isabelle grins.

"Aw thank you everyone!" I receive multiple hugs and a faire la bise here and there.

Then the music starts up and everyone begins to dance. There are hardly any men since they're off fighting for the country. I look around the room which is very nicely decorated with banners and glitter and pictures of me with different friends hung up on the walls. I see a table filled with gifts and I smile.

Suddenly the doors open and in come two officers. My heart begins to sink because deep down I know why they're here. Deep down I do but I subconsciously push it down even further, denying the truth.

Third person

Sergeant Sebastian Verlac and Captain James Carstairs are making their way towards the white picket fence house of Mrs. Herondale. But tonight they aren't there as a sergeant and a captain. They're there as casualty notification officers. Both were no longer fit to fight and so they were assigned the task to fulfil their enlistment. Sebastian couldn't help but feel the name Herondale was familiar…

"You remember the rules?" The Captain says.

"No physical contact; hugging, hand holding, none of that. We don't talk to neighbours or friends. Just family; the spouse, the next of kin."

"Good. Follow those simple rules and you'll be fine."

"How long have you been doing this?"

"This isn't the first time." That's all he says.

They walk up the porch steps and knock on the door, awaiting Mrs. Herondale to answer.

The door opens.

Sebastian's head drops, he knew he'd be unable to look the woman in the eyes.

"Mrs. Herondale?" Captain Carstairs asks.

"No, that's my daughter. Is something wrong?"

"Do you know where she is?" Carstairs diverts the subject. Spouse or next of kin. No one else.

"She's at the Stork Club in town."

The Stork Club. It was a popular place to let loose. Sebastian glanced at his watch. 7:32pm.

"I know the way." He speaks up.

"Officers…? What's wrong?" The lady asks once again.

"Thank you for your help, miss. We'll be on our way." Carstairs never answers the question.

The two men turn away and start walking.

"Wasn't that rude?" Sebastian raises a brow.

"She wasn't the spouse or the next of kin. And kid," Sebastian looks up, "next time look them in the eye. That's rude."

Sebastian rolls his eyes.

They arrive at the Stork Club, it seemed busy.

"How are we gonna do this? There are lots of people in there…" Sebastian asks.

"We just ask for Mrs. Morgenstern." Carstairs answers.

"Easier said than done." Sebastian mutters.

We walk into the club and see pretty much everyone dancing. Sebastian notices a big banner hanging from the ceiling: 'Happy Birthday Clary'

Oh. My. Lord. Sebastian thought. Clary. Clarissa. Clary Herondale. She married Jace?! OH no, no, no I can't do this. I can't give this news to her!

"Ohh no." Sebastian goes to turn but Carstairs stops him and pulls him back.

Once they were the centre of attention the music stopped and the vibe in the room slowly died. Finally the lady they were looking for turns her eyes toward them.

Sebastian can see the sorrow cloud over her dark green eyes. After so many years she still looked breath taking.

"Officers what can we do for you?" She asks as she hides her feelings with a smile.

"Mrs. Herondale can we talk to you in private?" Carstairs asks sternly but politely.

"Of course."

The room is entirely silent as she left.

They all stand outside.

"What time is it?" She asks before anyone can say anything else.

Sebastian glanced at his watch. "8 o'clock."

She smirks but Sebastian knows her heart isn't in it. He's pretty sure that her heart isn't even in her chest, probably dropped to her stomach.

"You're not late." She whispers.

He smiles sadly at her. "I'm improving."

*Flashback*

"So I'll meet you at the Stork Club?" Sebastian asks.

Clary was excited. Her first date! "Yeah, 8 o'clock sharp?"

"I'll see ya there, doll." He hung up.

She was standing around in the Club, glancing at the clock now and again. It was currently 8:12pm. Clary began to think that she was being stood up. She was about to walk out when she bumped into someone.

"Oh doll, I'm sorry, traffic was a pain in the back side."

"Well, better late than never. Just don't do it again."

He smirked. "Again? So… there's gonna be a second date?"

Clary elbowed Sebastian playfully. "Shut up and let's take a seat already."

They laugh and he places an arm around her shoulders.

She takes a deep breath.

"So how did it happen?"

"All we know is that all the men granted leave were on a vehicle that was heading towards the harbour. Then they were ambushed and bombed." Carstairs answers.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Herondale." Sebastian says.

"Mrs. Herondale?" Tears start to well up in her sad green eyes. "Wasn't it doll?" It was quiet, she's fragile. "He promised. He can't be dead."

"Ma'am…" Carstairs starts.

"Where's Alec? Alec Lightwood. Is he… Is he alive?"

"There has been no news about him being killed in action so it is safe to assume that he is still alive."

"He must be devastated." Clary whispers.

"Mrs. Herondale this is about you."

"Clary…" Sebastian only just notices her belly. Her very big belly… "You're pregnant."

"Eight months." She simply says.

"Did Jace know?"

"Yeah. Today I was gonna tell him it's a boy. But now…" She drifts away. "What am I gonna do?" Her tears fall as she realises she's alone in this world. "I'm alone."

Sebastian looks at Carstairs. "Screw the rules." He mutters and envelopes Clary in a hug he knew she needed.

So this is all I've got!

Hope you liked it!

Please Review

Love ~ Liz Ashley xxx