Chapter 9

Clary looked cautiously at Magnus, holding her breath. Magnus's eyes were wide and his mouth was open but his surprise quickly changed to what Clary could only name as furry and protectiveness. Though Magnus's eyes were now narrowed some he was still looking at Clary with a kind expression. Clary took that as a good thing. It meant that he didn't hate her or find or inferior.

"Your. Father." Magnus's words were clipped and hesitant. It was almost as if he was still wrapping his head around it. Clary just nodded.

"Since when?"

"You know when." Clary replied sadly with a small smile. She didn't know why, but she was trying to make Magnus feel better, which was ridiculous.

"I'm sorry, Clary." Magnus squeezed her hand. "I can't believe I didn't notice. I should have known."

"Yeah right, like I was gonna give you the chance to figure it out on your own." Clary laughed without any humor.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't want you to look down on me." Clary said quietly. "Plus it just didn't seem necessary to tell you, to have you worry about it. It's my burden to bear."

Magnus took in a deep breath. "What are you talking about? I never look down on you, you are my best friend. And I do not care what you say you should have told me sooner. No one deserves to handle something like this on their own, especially after all that you have been through. I know you are strong Clary, but you can't be afraid of some help."

Clary smiled. "You know me. I've always been fairly independent. And like I said, I didn't want you to worry about it."

Magnus sighed. "You can be so ridiculous sometimes, Clarissa Morgenstern."

There was a moment of silence and then Clary asked, "So, you're not going to fight me on the not telling anyone?"

Magnus sighed again. "No," he responded and then paused, "I, I would like for you to tell an authority figure. A cop, a teacher, just someone. But you have made it clear that it isn't what you want."

Clary was about to say something when Magnus continued to speak. "But, if it gets worse or he does something that goes over the line, I will tell someone."

Clary wanted to protest, but seeing the look in Magnus's eyes she decided against it. She was lucky that he wasn't demanding to go to the cops at that exact moment. Clary didn't want to send her father to jail, yes he needed help such as anger management classes and or going to AA but she wasn't going to put charges against her father. In her heart she knew it wasn't good for her father, all the drinking he did, and that he needed help before things got worse, but it was how he coped. Yes, it wasn't a good coping method at all, but Clary would rather her father be happy part of the time and angry the other than depressed the entire time. She didn't know what that said about herself, if she was naive or needed help herself, she just knew she didn't have the heart to add to her father's misfortune.

"I can handle that."

"Good. So, could you tell me what all he's done?" Magnus questioned carefully. Clary could tell by his voice he just wanted to know and didn't have any ulterior motives, she just didn't know why.

Clary nodded and proceeded to tell Magnus everything, or at least most of it. She told him how it had just started as an occasional slap, which had increased to more slaps and sometimes a few punches. Then the being pushed and thrown around started and it just kept escalating from there to where it was now. Clary admitted that recently was the worse it had ever been with the burn and the thrown beer bottles. She left out the kicks and the time her father had broken her wrist early sophomore year. Magnus listened to her quietly as she gave him an account of the last three years.

"So, it is only when he's drunk." Magnus said once Clary was done.

"Yes. There are times he won't drink for at least a week and then there are times when he drinks a couple times a week. Rarely does he drink more than three or four days out of the same week. That and it depends on how much liquor he has had. If he's only had a beer or two then things are usually fine, it's when he keeps on drinking that he becomes irritated easily. He always feels bad the next day though, when he remembers anyways."

"What do you mean he always feels bad?"

"I mean that usually he will try to make it up to me somehow. New phone, go shopping, something like that. It's his way of saying sorry."

Magnus looked like he didn't know how to respond at first. "Is that why you don't want to tell anyone, because he makes an attempt to apologize for beating you?"

"No. I didn't want anyone to know because I knew they wouldn't understand. My father just doesn't know how to cope. I've tried to get him to go to a councilor but he's too proud to even think about it. He just needs help, that's all." Clary answered.

"He's a cop, Clary. He shouldn't be drinking and he should know better than to take it out on you. It's hypocritical! Putting people away for the exact same thing he is doing."

"Don't you think I know that! I do! So does my father! He, he's just too ashamed. You know him; he's proud and doesn't believe in accepting help from others." Clary had to force herself to not yell at her friend.

"Besides," Clary added quietly when Magnus didn't say anything, "you promised not to tell anyone, at least unless if for some random reason things get too direly worse, which they will not."

"I know. I'm sorry. It is just hard to believe that you father-" Magnus seemed to be at a loss for words because he didn't finish his sentence and instead just let out a deep breath.

"Clary?" Magnus said after a moment of silence. "Thank you. Thank you for finally telling me."

"Thank you for not freaking out."

After that they just sat in silence for a while until they finally decided to separate and head back home. As Clary climbed into her room and closed the window she noticed that she felt better and a little more at ease. A little of the wait had been lifted off her shoulders. Magnus knew the truth and he wasn't going to tell anyone and she no longer had to lie or be careful around him. It made Clary feel better and more at ease than she thought it would have.

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The rest of the week went by quickly and fairly uneventful for Clary, a fact that Clary was very grateful for. Valentine hadn't had any more bad nights and had even offered surprised Clary Saturday with chocolate pancakes and a box of new art supplies consisting of paint, paint brushes, charcoal, stumps, pastels, and a new sketchbook. Clary had been very surprised and extremely happy at the gift. Her father didn't always recognize her love for art, at least not recently, and whenever he did it made her extremely delighted. Monday had even gone well. Magnus still watched her like a hawk, but he seemed content by the fact that her bruises were fading and no new ones were making a presence. The oddest thing that had happened was that when Jace had decided to strike up a conversation with her in chemistry and gym they had managed to get through it without him saying something that left Clary upset. It was refreshing and Clary was starting to think that she could grow to like Jace.

It was Tuesday and as Clary walked down the halls to her locker to put her stuff away and go to lunch she couldn't help but notice all of the posters that lined the walls advertising the upcoming dance. The Halloween Masquerade to be exact. It was Next weekend and though most of the school had been talking about it for the last month Clary was not looking forward to it at all. In fact, she had been able to ignore the entire clamor it had created until today when the posters had appeared. Halloween wasn't a particular favorite holiday of Clary's, too many bad memories.

Clary continued on her way to join her friends at lunch, determined to not allow the dance that was taking place next weekend ruin her good mood. However, when she found a spot between Magnus and Simon she couldn't suppress the groan that came out of her throat as she caught the tail end of Isabelle's comment about how she needed to go shopping for the dance.

"I think you have enough clothes, Isabelle. You most definitely don't need anymore." Alec stated sternly, though his eyes were amused.

"It is a masquerade, Alec! I don't have anything for a Halloween Masquerade!" Isabelle complained.

Clary took her banana out of her brown paper bag and started to peel it. Perhaps if she concentrated on her lunch she wouldn't have to worry about the conversation at hand. No matter hard it was to tune Isabelle out.

Isabelle's frustrated voice brought Clary's attention from her half eaten banana as her friend said her name. Clary looked up at the dark headed girl and sighed a little at the disgruntled look on her face.

"Did you hear a word I just said?" Isabelle questioned.

Clary tried to give the girl an apologetic look. "No, sorry."

Isabelle sighed. "It's alright. I asked if you wanted to go shopping with me after school Thursday for the dance."

"Which I quickly told her you most likely wouldn't because you aren't going to the dance." Magnus quickly said. Clary looked at Magnus and saw the understanding in his eyes; it made her heart hurt a little.

"Why wouldn't Clary go to the dance?" Isabelle practically wined.

"Clary doesn't go to Halloween dances that often." Maia said.

"They are right. Clary never goes to the Halloween dance. The last time she did was in middle school, and we had to force her to go to the one." Kyle added when Isabelle looked like she was about to protest again.

"Just because she hasn't gone in the past doesn't mean she won't go this year." Isabelle stated, the others' comments not seeming to affect her in the least. "Right, Clary?" Isabelle looked at Clary with expectant dark eyes.

Clary sighed again. "They are right. I don't like go to the Halloween dances and this year won't be any different." Isabelle looked a little disappointed but it didn't faze her for long.

"Why not?"

Clary's head snapped to Jace who had voiced the question. Looking at him carefully she didn't see any hint of anything but innocence. He didn't have that searching look in his eyes that he got when he was trying to get information out of her; this was a question of pure curiosity. There was no dubiousness.

"Why does it matter?" Simon voiced. This surprised Clary a little bit. Simon knew, along with all her friends why she didn't go to Halloween events, but she hadn't expected him to speak out. At least not with Isabelle around, Clary couldn't help but notice how infatuated he was with her. That and Simon usually let Clary stand up for herself, he wasn't as willing as Magnus as to make her angry for butting into her business.

By everyone's reactions they were also surprised. Magnus was slightly wide eyed, along with Maia and Kyle. Isabelle had her head cocked to the side as was looking at his carefully, while Jace had his eyes furrowed a little. Even Alec seemed a little confused. Simon, noticing that everyone's eyes were on him blushed a little and bushed her glasses up his nose.

"There's no reason to force her to go if she doesn't want to." Simon stated a little more quietly as he looked down at his lunch as if it was suddenly fascinating. Clary sat her nudged Simon under the table and when he glanced at her she gave him a small smile. Simon nodded and continued to stare at his food.

"I still want to know." Isabelle stated, not relenting in the slightest.

"Would you just give it a rest?" Magnus demanded, his normally calm voice rising a little.

"Magnus." Clary said softly as she looked at her friend. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jace give Magnus a questioning look. Magnus turned his attention to her.

They looked at each for a while, communicating with their eyes only. Finally Magnus sighed and looked away. "Fine."

"Well." Isabelle ignoring the tension wasn't about to give up.

"I just don't really like Halloween. I find it a pointless holiday." Clary stated easily. It was the excuse she always used. Only the first part of it was true.

"That doesn't mean you can't still go shopping with me." Isabelle responded. At least she wasn't going to fight Clary on going.

"I don't know, Isabelle." Clary responded cautiously.

Isabelle looked like she was about to tell Clary she was going rather she wanted to or not when a voice to her right said her name and out of the corner of her eye she could see Jace tense up a little and his eyes harden.

Clary was surprised to see the dark haired boy who stood behind where Isabelle sat. "Sebastian."

"You are still really into art, right?" Sebastian smiled, his question more of a statement.

"Yes. Why do you want to know?" Clary was puzzled.

"Well, I at the student government meeting yesterday the question of the decorations for the dance came up and I told the committee handling it that I knew someone who could paint backdrops for us." Sebastian explained. Clary had almost forgotten that he was one of the class representatives for the senior class. "So, I was wondering if you be interested in the job. I mean, if not it's alright, I'll have to tell the committee that they would have to come up with something on their own, and-"

"No," Clary interrupted. Sebastian seemed to be getting more agitated as he continued talking and Clary wanted to ease his discomfort. "It's alright. It sounds like fun."

"So you'll do it?" Sebastian's face looked hopeful.

"Yes, I'll do it."

"Great. I can tell you more after school if you would like, or even during gym."

"If we get a chance you can tell me in gym."

Sebastian nodded. "Thanks, Clary."

"You're welcome, Seb." Clary said, letting the childhood nickname slip out before she could stop herself. She gasped as she look wide eyed at the dark haired boy. "Sorry, it slipped-"

"No," Sebastian insisted, his dark eyes kind and somewhat reminiscing looking. Clary was slightly relieved that he only seemed mildly sad and pained or even ticked off for her slip of the tongue.

"Sebastian."

"It really it alright, Clary." Sebastian smiled. "Besides, it has been forever since someone's called me that."

"Three years." Clary said softly.

"Well, I better get going." Sebastian said after sharing an understanding look with her. "See you in gym, Red." Sebastian's eyes twinkled mischievously at the use of his old nickname for her before walking away.

"Clary," Magnus's voice was full of concern. Clary looked over at her friend.

"What was that about-" Isabelle started but stopped when Magnus gave her a hard look. Simon then asked Isabelle who she was thinking of going as to the masquerade and she was quickly distracted.

"Are you alright?" Magnus's voice was soft enough for only Clary's ears to hear.

"Yes, Mags, I'm fine." Clary reassured him.

Soon everyone was having their own little conversations: Alec and Jace, Maia and Kyle, Simon and Isabelle, Magnus and Clary. Looking over at Simon for a moment before focusing on Magnus again Clary couldn't help but feel happiness that Simon had managed to get over his nerves and actually talk to Isabelle. The boy had been crushing so hard on her since the Lightwoods had started school. Magnus was currently whispering to her about how he was going to ask Alec to the dance and Clary smiled at him, glad that Alec seemed to be slowly getting more comfortable with Magnus's teasing and flamboyant flirting. As Clary told Magnus how she thought his idea was perfect she couldn't help but glance quickly at Jace; she had felt his gaze on her ever since Sebastian had left.

Jace smiled at something Alec had said and replied with a sarcastic remark. Clary had only let herself look at him for the barely a second but it was enough to see that even though he was laughing with Alec, he had a hard look in his eyes. Clary had understood his hostile expression when Sebastian was talking to her, though she still didn't understand why Jace didn't like Sebastian, but she had no idea why his eyes were still trained on her. Giving up on trying to figure it out, Clary turned her full attention back to Magnus.

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Jace was sitting with Alec as they waited for their sister and Magnus get done shopping in whatever store they were currently in. They had probably been to every store there was in the mall and Jace's feet were killing him. Maia and Kyle had come to the mall with them as well, but they had left thirty minutes ago to go to a movie. Part of the reason Jace felt like Isabelle was taking so long in each store was because she was still a little disappointed and upset that Clary hadn't come with them. Isabelle had begged, demanded, and next to threatened Clary to go shopping with them. In the end Clary had said that her father wouldn't let her and that had put an end to the subject. After school Jace had heard Isabelle ask Magnus about it and he had backed Clary's claims up, saying even though she wasn't grounded anymore she was still in some trouble.

"Jace." Alec's voice brought Jace out of his thoughts. Jace looked at his brother. "What's up with you?"

"What do you mean?" Jace said puzzled. He really didn't know what Alec was getting at.

"I mean you have been really quiet the entire time we've been here, usually you are either complaining or cracking jokes and being sarcastic the entire time. Neither of which are happening."

"I'm just tired."

"And the sky is pink and the sun sets in the south." Alec snapped back good-heartedly.

"Well that wasn't necessary."

"Jace." Alec's voice held a warning in it.

"Fine. I just-"

"Just what?"

"Don't say anything, but I think there's something up with Clary." Jace admitted.

"What do you mean?" Alec asked almost cautiously.

"It's just she never talks about her family and whenever anyone does she gets all uncomfortable."

"That's it. That is what's bothering you, the fact that she doesn't like to talk about her past." Alec sat back and ran his hands through his hair. "In case you haven't notices, but you don't like to talk about your past either."

Jace was about to argue the point but Magnus and Isabelle had walked out of the store and were only a few feet away from them. He wasn't afraid of Magnus hearing the conversation, but he didn't really want to bring Isabelle into it.

"What did you guys do, buy out the whole store?" Alec laughed.

"No, but we did get some clothes for you." Isabelle exclaimed. Alec immediately paled a little.

"Oh, don't look like that. I helped Isabelle pick the clothes." Magnus looked like he was holding back a smile. This seemed to make Alec panic even more because his eyes got a little wide.

"Please don't dress my brother in bright colors and sparkles. I like being able to look at him without being blinded."

Magnus gave Jace a hard look. "You get no say in this, Goldie."

"I agree with Jace, I don't know if this is a good idea." Alec was squirming in his seat now.

"It's fine, Alec, we only bought a few pairs of jeans and a few shirts. Plus they aren't flashy." Isabelle sighed. Alec let out a deep breath of relief, earning him a look from both Isabelle and Magnus.

"It really is too bad Clary couldn't come with us." Isabelle wined for what seemed like this millionth time as they headed towards the parking lot.

"I told you, her father still isn't happy about her breaking curfew." Magnus's voice held a little of an undercurrent to it.

"Her father just seems so strict. Clary said she was ungrounded Sunday and its Thursday!" Isabelle wasn't giving up on the subject.

Valentine's a cop," Magnus shrugged a little, "it makes since that he would be a little strict with her. Plus she missed her curfew, a very generous curfew I may add."

"I still think he's overreacting a little. I mean, what has happened in the past for him to be such a psycho dad?"

"Isabelle." Alec said sharply as his frowned at his sister.

"What?"

Jace looked over at Magnus who had stiffened a little at Isabelle's last comment. Alec started to reprimand Isabelle again but Magnus quickly interrupted.

"It's alright, Alec, Isabelle is just curious." Alec gave Magnus a doubtful look so Magnus continued. "Valentine is just a little over protective of Clary. He trusts Clary, but he is a cop and he's worked a lot of cases of young girls who have been kidnapped, murdered, or even physically harmed. He is just a father."

"I guess that makes since." Isabelle admitted. Suddenly Isabelle's face changed and she looked at Magnus. "What about her mother? Doesn't her mother get a say at all?"

Magnus stopped walking and seemed to take in a sharp breath and hold it. Alec gave Isabelle another hard look, which she was oblivious to. Jace just stopped and watched, curious of what Magnus's response would be.

"Well?" Isabelle prodded when Magnus didn't answer right away.

Magnus looked down and let out his breath and then took another deep breath before looking back up. Jace couldn't read Magnus's face at all, but he could see in Magnus's eyes that he wasn't comfortable.

"It's just Clary and her dad." Magnus finally said. His voice was calm and even but Jace could tell that that he was holding back a little.

"What happened to her mom?"

"Isabelle Sophia Lightwood, would you give it a rest? It isn't Magnus's job to tell us every little thing about Clary. Maybe if Clary wanted us to know she would tell us." Alec chastised.

"Fine. I'll drop it." Isabelle blinked, shocked at her brother's reaction.

Magnus seemed to be relieved by this and Jace saw him relax a little. This struck Jace's curiosity a little, even if it shouldn't have. He just couldn't help but wonder what had happened in the past for Clary's friends to be so protective of her. What happened to her mother? Why did Clary never talk about her?

The rest of the walk to their cars was quiet. Magnus said goodbye and went to his car and drove away and the Lightwoods went home as well with Alec behind the wheel, Jace in shotgun, and Isabelle in the back. She hadn't said a word since Alec had gotten on to her and she seemed to almost be sulking. The only thing breaking the silence was the radio the entire trip home.

Hope you liked the chapter! Magnus is going to keep Clary's secret, at least for now, and Isabelle and Jace are slowly starting to become more curious of Clary's past. Please review and I will try to have the next chapter up as soon as I can.