Chapter 15
So, here is the next installment of Hold On. Hope you guys like it. And because I just feel like sharing for those bothering to read this entire A/N: my first semester of my freshman year of college is going fairly well. I like most of my classes (not algebra because it's too easy and it bores me…) and I love campus life. So for those who are still in high school and nervous about college, don't be. It is a blast. I am also sorry I haven't made more time to write and update and I will try to get a more regular schedule, but no promises. Anyways, time for more Morgenstern drama. And maybe some Clace? Let's see if you're lucky or not. ;)
Clary's eyes opened slowly as she woke up and she made the mistake of trying to roll over from lying on her back to her side. She instantly stopped and grimaced as pain shot throughout her chest. After just lying still for a long time, long enough for the pain to subside, Clary sat up very carefully and slowly. It hurt some, but not so bad it impeded her movement. Closing her eyes to gather herself, Clary then moved her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. That hurt as well, but she tried her hardest to ignore the pain resonating throughout the entirety of her ribcage. Slightly frustrated, Clary tried to take a deep breath without thinking and immediately regretted it. The pain was staggering. Finally, the pain subsided and Clary made a mental note to not take deep breaths. She then proceeded to change from yesterday's clothes and managed to climb into the shower. Finished with her refreshing shower, Clary dressed in a pair of sweats and a loose fitted t-shirt. It was completely unattractive, but Clary couldn't care less just as long as she was comfortable.
Leaving her room with the intentions of going to the kitchen to make breakfast, Clary stopped halfway down the stairs as she heard her father's voice floating up to her. Puzzled as to why her father was still home Clary finished making her way downstairs and entered the kitchen to find Valentine cooking bacon as he hung up the phone.
Hearing her enter, Valentine turned to look at her and stilled for a moment. A look of shame flashed across his eyes before he turned back to the stove where the sizzling pieces of pork were cooking away.
"Morning," he said, his voice a little gruff.
"Morning, Dad." Clary replied as she eased herself into a chair at the table.
Valentine glanced over his shoulder at her, worry showing in his eyes. Turning back around, he once again put his attention back onto the food he was cooking. Clary just sat there and watched in silence. She had almost forgotten that her father knew how to cook, it had been so long. A few minutes later there was a plate with bacon, scramble eggs, and toast placed in front of her. Valentine sat across from her with his own plate and started to pick at his breakfast. Halfway through the meal he looked up at her, that worried look back in his eyes and just beneath that was the look of shame.
"Once you're done I am taking you to the ER." He stated.
"Alright." Clary nodded. She wanted nothing more than a doctor's note excusing her from gym and some good pain meds.
"Clary," Valentine spoke softly after a few more minutes of silence.
Clary looked up at her father. He didn't finish his sentence, just let the sound of her name hang out there, but Clary knew what he wanted to say and just couldn't get out.
"I know. It's okay." Clary lied. It wasn't okay, not at all, but she wasn't about to add even more stress to her father's life. That and the sorrowful look in his eyes was enough for her to forgive him, she didn't really want to, but she couldn't help it. He was a sick man; he was just too stubborn to admit it.
Breakfast finished and the dishes put up, Clary and Valentine made their way to the hospital in the truck and Clary was currently sitting in an empty examining room. Her father was waiting for her in the waiting room of the emergency room and the nurse had just left after taking her vitals to get the doctor. The fact she would have to lie, yet again, made Clary's stomach roll a little. She hated lying, hated that she was so good at it, most of the time, but there was nothing she could do about it.
"Miss Morgenstern."
Clary looked up to see same doctor from the last time she had been to the hospital walk into the tiny examining room.
"Back I see. What can I help you with this time?" The doctor sat gracefully across from her in a chair with his clip board in his lap.
"I may have some bruised ribs." Clary got out, managing to sound completely normal, as if bruised ribs were an everyday occurrence like saying you had the a really bad cold.
The doctor's eyebrows furrowed a little. "And why do you think that?" He stood up to come closer to her.
"I fell down the stairs and it hurts a little when I breathe."
The doctor nodded and pressed on the side of her ribs a little. Clary hissed at the pain this caused her. This in return caused a frown to appear on the doctor's face and he reached for her shirt, but paused long enough to give Clary a look asking for permission. Clary nodded and the doctor gently lifted shirt up a little and ran his hands over the lower half of her ribs.
"Can you lay down for me?" He asked releasing Clary's shirt and allowing it to fall back down.
Clary did as she was told and then pulled the hem of her shirt up until it rested under her chest. The doctor then started to run his hands along her ribs. He then had her flip over onto her stomach and repeated the process. Clary couldn't help but suck in her breath a little every time his fingers managed to touch a more sore area and pain would shoot through her.
"Alright." The doctor sighed a little as he wrote something down on his clip board and then moved to the computer in the room and started typing in information. "I'm going to schedule you for an x-ray," he looked at his watch, "in about an hour."
"Why?" Clary frowned. She really didn't want anything worse than bruised ribs.
"Just precaution. I want to make sure you don't have any cracked ribs."
"Oh."
"Did this happen today?" The doctor asked. Clary was a little surprised by the question, mostly because it was something that probably should have been asked first.
"No, last night. But it was late and I didn't want to wake my father up."
The doctor looked over his shoulder at her, his fingers pausing over the keys. "And you didn't think that a trip to the hospital was a good reason to wake your father up?"
Clary shrugged. "It was really late and I didn't think it was that bad. I got right back up and was fine. I mean, I was sore, but not as bad as when I woke up this morning. So I told my father and after breakfast he insisted I get it checked out."
Then entire time the doctor kept a wary eye on her. Shaking his head a little, he turned back around and finished typing whatever it was he was typing, his fingers flying over the keys. He then stood up and turned around to look at Clary.
"Rib injuries can be a very serious matter, Miss Morgenstern, if not looked after properly."
"I know which is why I am here now. Really all I did was sleep since then." Clary defended herself, hating the fact that the doctor made her feel like an irresponsible child.
The doctor shook his head again. "Next time be more careful." He said as he wrote something else on his clip board.
"That's what you said last time, too bad I'm accident prone."
The doctor let the hand holding the clip board fall to his side and placed the pen in his coat packet. The doctor snorted, "Yes well, maybe this time you will actually take my advice."
Clary tilted her head and wiggled off of the exanimating table, it was slow work with her ribs, but she managed. "I'll try harder to not be such a klutz." Clary didn't mean to, but the words didn't come out as carefree as she meant for them to, her words having a slight edge. Sighing to the best of her ability, Clary hoped the doctor didn't notice.
Clary wasn't sure if the doctor didn't notice her undertone or if he just chose to ignore it because the next words out of his mouth weren't something pertaining to her comment but, "Just remember you have a x-ray at 9:30."
Clary nodded and took the slip of paper that the doctor handed her and glanced down at it.
"I mean it, Miss Morgenstern, no more trips to the ER." And with that the doctor left.
Confused, Clary made her way back to the waiting room and shoved the slip of paper into her pocket. Something about the doctor's attitude bugged Clary, she didn't know what or why, just that something was off.
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Halloween / Magnus
Magnus couldn't help the nervous bouncing of his knee at lunch as he ran his hand over his face and waited for the others to arrive at their usual table. He had successfully been able to avoid both Jace and Isabelle all day, not wanting to have to deal with their questions. He hadn't, however, been able to escape Alec and his questions. Granted, Magnus didn't know if he could avoid the blue eyed boy if he tried, let alone want to. Something about Alec just stirred Magnus's blood, made him hyper aware of Alec's presence whenever he was in the same room as Magnus. So, naturally, when Alec asked why Clary hadn't been in his first hour Magnus had given him the best answer he could without lying: Clary was at home. And when that wasn't good enough he made a comment that she was probably sick. Magnus could tell Alec didn't believe his fib, but neither boy commented on it.
So, now, it was lunch time and Magnus couldn't wait for it to be over because he really didn't want to deal with Isabelle, who just didn't seem to understand when to quit. Magnus just hoped that Kyle, Maia, and Simon would be able to help reel her in a little. They all knew as well as he did that today was a bad day for Clary and now that Magnus would have to do damage control with Jace he didn't want to deal with the sassy, bullheaded Lightwood.
"Hey, Mags." Alec stated as he sat down beside him, quickly followed by Simon, Maia, and Kyle. Thank goodness. Glancing around the cafeteria, he couldn't spot either of the other two Lightwoods. Relieved, Magnus allowed himself to revel in the presence of Alec.
"Hey."
"Has anyone seen, Clary?"
Magnus wanted to groan at the sound of Isabelle's voice and she placed her tray noisily on the table. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see the others giving each other looks.
"Clary's at home." Maia answered.
Isabelle frowned at this. "Why?"
"She's sick." Magnus said before he could stop himself.
"Who's sick?" Jace asked as he sat down beside Alec, like always. Magnus really didn't understand how that boy always seemed to manage to walk in during every conversation that was either over a slightly rough subject.
"Clary." Kyle answered with a shrug. Magnus gave him a nod of thanks and Kyle shrugged back.
Jace frowned but didn't say anything.
Magnus saw Alec reach into his pocket and pull out his phone. Frowning, Magnus cocked his head to the side and gave Alec a curious look. Alec didn't say anything, just stood up and took a couple steps and turned his back to the table.
"Clary?" Alec said. Magnus sucked in a breath. Crap.
There was a pause and then, "Why aren't you at school?"
Isabelle's head perked up a little and she frowned at her brother. Magnus gave the others a look and turned his attention back to Alec
"You don't sound sick." Alec said, slightly puzzled. "What about your dad?"
Magnus saw Jace tense up a little as the golden haired boy kept his eyes trained on his brother.
"Alec." Isabelle said, even though both Simon and Maia were trying to distract her. Alec just waved her off.
"Are you home alone? Because if you are Isabelle or I or someone could stop by and check on you." Alec asked with genuine worry in his voice. Magnus eased a little at the earnest concern Alec seemed to have for Clary.
"Magnus," Isabelle's attention turned to him and the boy immediately wanted to sink into a hole. "Why is Clary home?"
"She's sick."
"Bull, she was more than fine yesterday." Isabelle crossed her arms. "You aren't telling me something."
"Well I don't know what to tell you Isabelle." Magnus shot back. He didn't want to put up with her. He really didn't have anything against Alec's sister, it was just he was already stressed out to his limit and he didn't want to deal with her curiousness.
"Just let it rest, Iz." Jace sighed. Isabelle shot him a look and then shot Magnus a look. Her eyes continued to travel between the two of them.
"Please, there's some reason why Clary isn't at school today. And it isn't because she is sick."
Magnus was saved from responding by Alec closing his phone and returning to the table. "Drop it," the boy said as he looked his sister dead in the eye.
Isabelle opened her mouth to say something but another look from Alec, and an additional one from Jace, shut her up. Glancing around the table, Magnus noticed that everyone else seemed to be holding their breath as they all glanced at between Isabelle and Alec and Magnus. Running his hand over his face roughly, Magnus took in a deep breath, exasperated. He didn't need this right now. All day yesterday and today he had been worrying about Clary and he didn't need any added stress right now. Not today of all days.
The rest of lunch was fairly uneventful and Magnus couldn't be more relieved when the bell rang signaling the end of their lunch break. Everyone quickly dispersed and Magnus got up to go to his next class as well. Just as Magnus was through the door he felt a hand grab his shoulder, stopping him. Magnus didn't need to look behind him to know who it was.
"Yes." Magnus said, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"What is the real reason Clary isn't at school today?"
"Jace." Magnus sighed.
"I think I deserve to know, especially if she is home alone with that man." Jace's voice was calm, but Magnus could see the quiet fury in the golden globes looking back at him sternly.
"Clary never comes to school on Halloween."
"Why."
Magnus didn't answer. He wasn't sure if he should or not. Part of him thought it wouldn't hurt to give Jace a general idea, but at the same time it wasn't his to tell, even if the asker was a persistent pain in the butt.
"Does it have to do with her brother?"
Magnus frowned. "Why would you say that?"
Shrugging Jace replied, "I stopped by the memorial case for Jonathon yesterday and I remember that the date of death of Halloween."
"Of course," Magnus sighed, "ever the clever one. Yes, it has something to do with her brother."
Jace nodded. "And she is home alone with her father."
"Yes."
"Why." Jace's voice was full of contempt, making it very obvious that he wasn't please in the least at the idea.
"Because both of them always stay home today." Magnus replied. Jace opened his mouth to say something but Magnus quickly cut him off. "Look. Neither of them likes leaving the house today. They can't stand all of the festivities and sorrowful looks they receive, so they stay indoors."
Jace still didn't seem too happy but he did seem to understand. He sighed in displeasure and ran his hands roughly through his golden locks.
"Fine." And with that he walked away.
Magnus just watched, confused. He just couldn't wrap his mind around the boy. It didn't make any since to him why Jace cared so much, why he seemed so dead set on helping her. Jace barely knew Clary. In fact, the two of them always seemed to be fighting and at each other's throats. Well, until a little while ago anyways. Shaking his head, Magnus shook the thoughts from his mind and with a very heavy breath continued his way to class. He didn't bother to hurry; he was already going to be late, what was another minute.
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Present
Jace's POV
As Jace looked around the cafeteria, the sick feeling in his stomach grew stronger, he still hadn't seen Clary. She hadn't been in any of her classes today and Jace was starting to get a little antsy. It didn't help that Magnus also seemed to be concerned about Clary's absence. At first, Jace had just hoped that she was late, but as the day kept progressing the chances of that were becoming slimmer and slimmer.
"Does anyone know where Clary is? I haven't seen her all day." Isabelle groaned as she sat down.
"She wasn't in class first hour, she's probably still sick." Alec shrugged. Jace gritted his teeth at his brother's indifference, but it wasn't like Alec knew what was actually going on.
Simon's eyes narrowed. "It's not like her to not at least let one of us know she's not going to be at school when she's sick."
"I'm sure it's nothing." Magnus said, his voice sounding a little stiff.
Jace looked over at the glitter clad boy and gave him a hard look. Magnus seemed just as worried as he was. Isabelle complained about something else and everyone else tried to appease her and then the conversation shifted again. I didn't care enough to actually listen. Eventually Jace got fed up and left without a word. He had barely walked out of the doors when Magnus stepped into sink with him.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"I'm going to go see her."
"Jace." Magnus hissed.
Jace ignored him and kept walking towards my locker. Magnus cussed under his breath and just followed. When he had arrived in front of his locker and was about to enter his locker combination Magnus grabbed Jace's shoulder and spun him around.
"What are you doing?" Magnus asked again, his eyes a little hard.
Jace kept a completely impassive look on his face, his eyes dead, a look he had mastered a long time ago. "Just what I said, I'm going to Clary's."
"No you're not."
"See, the funny thing is, there is this thing called free will and I intend on taking advantage of it."
"Don't get smart with me, Lightwood." Magnus practically snarled. "How do you know she's going to be home alone?"
"I don't."
"Exactly, so what happens if her father is home?"
"I don't exactly care if that disgrace of a man is home or not." Jace shot back.
"Glad to know, idiot, but if Valentine is home and he's in one of his moods then you're just going to make things worse for Clary showing up unannounced."
Jace's body went cold at the thought, but then he regained his resolved and his hands curled into fists at his side.
"Then I will bring her home with me."
Magnus just stared at Jace, it was as if he didn't know what to say or just couldn't decide on what to say.
"If you cause her to get hurt then I'm going to make sure you get the same payment." Magnus's voice was ice cold.
Jace straitened his back. "Fine." And with that he stalked off, not even bothering to get his books. He would just text Alec later and ask him to get his things for him.
Jace was starting to feel a little sick as he parked his car beside the curb in front of Clary's house. He noted that the police cruiser was in the parking lot and his breath stilled in his lungs. Rage suddenly crept through him and he had to focus on calming down before he turned the engine off and got out of his car. A mixture of panic and anticipation was starting to overwhelm Jace a little, but he fought past it and made his way to the front door of the house. Jace rang the doorbell and shoved his hands into his pockets.
He heard the sound of feet and then the door opened slightly, and his eyes focused on Clary's slight form. Her hair was pulled back out of her face and she had on a sweater and sweats, somehow she stilled took his breath away.
"Jace." Clary's eyes went wide as she looked at him.
"Who's at the door, Clary?" A voice called from the living room and then Jace heard the sound of footsteps getting closer. Before Clary responded, Valentine stood behind her. His pale hair was a little messy compared to its normally neat self. Jace also noticed that Valentine hadn't bothered to shave and that there were dark circles under his eyes. And while his tall, strong built gave off the impression of someone you didn't want to mess with, the look in the man's eyes was a little forlorn and lost. Jace had to force himself to not yell at the man. He wanted to yell at him for causing him to feel pity for the monster.
"Jace," Clary's voice was quiet. "What are you doing here?"
Jace glanced at the man standing behind Clary before settling his eyes back on her. "I just wanted to check up on you. Everyone at school was worried since you hadn't texted them or anything."
"Oh." Clary glanced behind her and then back at Jace. "I'm fine. I woke up with a fever and went to the doctor, but I'm better now. I didn't see the point in going to school for the last half of the day."
Jace nodded stiffly. He knew she was lying. "Oh, okay then. I'm glad you are feeling better."
Clary gave him a week smile but her eyes seemed to be urging him to leave.
"That was nice of you, stopping by to check on my daughter, but I assure you she is fine and she will be back at school tomorrow." Valentine's deep voice stated. It was a little rough and ragged, not smooth like the last time Jace had seen him at the game.
"Yes, sir." Jace bit the words out. It took everything in him to keep his tone pleasant on not bitter.
"I'll see you tomorrow Jace. Let the other's know I'm alright."
"I will."
Clary closed the door softly after looking at him for a few more seconds. It took Jace a few seconds to gather himself and go back to his car, once inside he leaned his head on the steering wheel. He hadn't seen any new bruises or cuts and her father seemed perfectly sober. But Jace knew deep down that something was wrong. Yesterday hadn't been all smooth sailing for Clary, Jace could feel it in his bones.
Taking a deep breath, Jace started his car and pulled out onto the road. He couldn't go back home now or else his parents would know he had skipped school, besides that was the last place he wanted to be. So instead he just drove. He no destination in mind or even a route, he just drove.
Well that is that for that chapter. It may be a little while before the next chapter is posted, but I promise I will try to get it up as soon as I am able to. Also, I didn't edit this chapter as well as I should have so please forgive me. When I have time I will go back over it and fix it, I just didn't want to make you guys wait any longer.