AN: Hey there. I'm really happy that people actually read my story because I was NOT expecting that. Special thanks to Fangirl 1227 for being my first review because that's really cool. :) I'm aiming for at least 10 reviews overall but I'll probably continue the story anyways if I don't get them. If you have something bad to say about my story, by all means, Ill take all of the criticism I can get right now. Hope you enjoy the chapter. It's a little short cause my computer is really slow and it decided not to work properly. I might not be able to update for a little while so don't get mad. I'm on vacation. ;)

I didn't realize how close I was to their house until my head almost came into contact with someone's chest.

"Woah, there," I heard a deep voice. I timidly look up and my eyes meet with bright golden eyes once again. "Hey," he smiles. "My name's Jace, Tiny. How about you?"

"Clary," I manage, breathless. This boy was breathtaking. His slightly curly blonde hair was a mess; a fashionable mess. He had long dark eyelashes framing big eyes. He had the perfect mix of soft yet angular features. He had full lips and I couldn't stop staring at them. In other words, he was the single most beautiful person that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

"Clary," Jace says, trying out the name on his tongue. "Obviously short for something. Claire? No, that's already a short name…"

"Clarissa." I interrupt his rants. "It's short for Clarissa."

"Hmm," he comments. "Fancy."

"Whatever," I roll my eyes. "So what do I owe the pleasure of this meeting, Dickhead?"

"Ouch," Jace feigns a hurt expression. "That was painful, Tiny. By the way, I know that I have a big dick. You don't have to tell me."

"That's not what I'm implying-"

"Ah, ah, ah," Jace smiles. "I know that I have a big head, so what you just said is that my dick is the size of my head. Maybe even bigger."

He adjusts his leather jacket confidently as a gorgeous girl with waist-length dark brown, almost black, hair approaches us wearing knee-high black leather boots, and a dress covering virtually nothing.

"Jace," she says in a scolding voice. "Stop trying to lure girls into your clutches." She sets her gaze on me and becomes even more furious. "Especially not her. Come on, Jace." The girl grabs his arm. "Oh by the way, my name's Isabelle, but you can call me Izzy. You've met Jace and you'll come across my other brothers, Max and Alec, later on."

"My name's Clary," I smile. "I live next door. I'll, uh, see you guys later." I turn around and slowly start to walk away. As I walk, though, I can hear Jace whisper to Isabelle, "She's different, Izzy. She's different."

-Jace POV-

I couldn't get her out of my head.

Her frizzy dark red hair.

Her huge green eyes.

Her tiny stature.

Her…

"Jace!" Isabelle's voice breaks me out of my reverie. I look up and see my sister's hands on her hips. "Were you even listening to anything that I just said?"

"Uh," I begin, rubbing my hand over the back of my neck. "Something about not being able to see her again?"

"Ugh!" Izzy throws her hands up into the air, exasperated. "Can't you listen for once? This time, Jace, it's important. Look at how innocent she looks! You can't ruin that innocence. She's probably still a virgin for all we know, okay?! I don't want you to ruin that for her, Jace."

"I'm sorry, Izzy," I sigh. Faint footsteps pad on the marble floor. I look up.

"Hey, Alec," I grin. "Thanks for saving me from Izzy. I'll just go now." I get up and practically run out of the room.

-Clary POV-

I run down the path by my house so that my father won't see me. I head towards the bookstore. I take a shortcut through the park and immediately curse myself when I see who's sitting on a bench, smoking a cigarette. There's no avoiding him now, I think. Might as well just talk to him first.

"Hey, Sebastian," I give him a small smile.

He turns his head towards me, his straight jet black hair falling in his eyes. Sebastian's dark brown eyes train on me.

"Hey, there." He closes his eyes. "What're you doing here?"

"Just… on my way to the grocery store," I lie easily. I don't want Sebastian stalking me again.

"Cool, cool," he smiles.

"I, uh, gotta go. I'll see you later, Seb."

"Bye, Clary. I'll see you later." He winks and turns away from me.

I start walking again and I involuntarily shudder. Sebastian's presence opens up a whole new vault of fear for me. He used to be on Daddy's football team. They used to rape me together. Daddy called it "bonding time".

I've been way too caught up in my thoughts to realize that I'm already nearing the bookstore. I smile. This is the only place where I've always felt safe. My mom's best friend, Luke Garroway the owner of this bookstore, has practically been the father I've always wanted. He hired me when I was 13 to get away from my dad.

I walk through the door and hear the little 'ding' of the bell. Luke's standing behind the counter giving a teenager a thick novel in a white plastic bag. He sees me and a grin appears on his face.

"So, Clary," he smiles, his dull blue eyes crinkling. "You're early."

"Am I?" I ask, glancing at my watch.

"Yup," Luke pops his 'p'.

"Well, should I get to work then?"

"Totally."

I walk to the storeroom and inhale deeply. The musty smell of old books, the fresh smell of new books, the strong smell of Luke's cologne all mingle together into this strange but comforting smell. I get to work, arranging books in alphabetical order. I've already done A-L, titles, then authors. I get to work on the M section when I spot a head of golden hair.