Love To

Chapter 22:

"Clary I know you're against the idea, but it would be better if I went than if you did." He sighed, sliding to the ground of the bathroom.

"Against the idea? Lucky for you Jace Herondale, my parents are asleep in the next room, because if they weren't I'd be screaming my head off and trying to strangle you." My voice sounded so dark and menacing. He clutched at my hand but it was limp, not returning the pressure of his.

"Clary, it's better me than you." He muttered.

"When are you planning to go?" My voice was rough but the dark menacing feeling was gone.

"Next week." He gave a little shrug.

"Oh, I see." I leaned against his shoulder.

"Should we go back to your room? Not that I mind the new change of scenery, but if your mom or Luke were to wake up for a potty break they'd be in for quite a shock." He smirked down and I noticed I was practically on top of him. When did that happen?

"Yeah probably." He stood, offering me his hand. "Well I will anyways, you, on the other hand, are going home." I pushed him to the door.

"Why?" He pouted.

"Because I need to get some sleep." I huffed opening the door up for him. I kissed him sweetly on the mouth and his hands slid down my back.

"Okay studmuffin, time's up." I smiled pushing him out the door.

"FINE!" He pulled himself to the stairs. "Nighty night." He wiggled his fingers at me but didn't turn around to look at me. I shut the door quietly and returned to my room. Would I need to pack for this trip? Ha, trip, it was anything but that. Well a steele was obviously needed, but how to conceal it? My father and brother would obviously search me. Then an idea hit me. My mother had shown me the trick a long time ago. I took out a piece sketch paper and my little pencil box from kindergarten that I still used. I drew the runes lightly on the paper and slipped my steel into the pencil box and placed the box in the paper. I mean I literally put it in the paper. My mom were the only known people who could do the little trick. I slid the paper in with the rest of my sketch book and laid it in my little neon green backpack. I grabbed my tooth brush, a brush, a pair of fuzzy pajamas and three t-shirts and two pairs of jeans. I fell back on my bed, the air in my lungs came out in a whoosh. I lay there staring at the ceiling, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

"Clary what are you doing?" The angel voice rasped in my ear. He held me from behind. His hands clasped and held down my own as they struggled to get out of his iron fingers. Gasping for air even though we were on dry ground. He holds on to my face, he looks down on me with golden eyes.

"Clary what's the matter?"

"Jace…" I choke out and then I'm in the dark waters that slosh around my dreams.

"Clary, Clary, Clary, Clary." My hands flew up, knocking my mother back a few steps.

"Clary, what the hell?" She stared at me in bewilderment.

"Mom, uh, what do you want?" I tried to sit up a little more.

"I wanted to wake you up for school, but when I came in you were thrashing around."

"Oh, sorry. Bad dream I guess." I threw the blankets off and my mom left with an exasperated sigh. Today was the day I was going to be kidnapped by my demonic brother and insane father, oh the joy. I mean many girls have psychotic siblings. In fact Maia told me about her brother and from what I've heard he is (well was) a sick son of a biscuit. He died a while ago. Who'd want to meet a guy who threatened to kill his sister? I know many who do I mean just the other day Alec threatened to shoot Isabelle. But Daniel was serious. He'd pinch her in places where the bruises wouldn't show, he switched her shampoo out for bleach once, and he broke her arm. Sick, right?

I pulled on a pair of jeans, some rock band t-shirt, and my boots. I threw on a hoodie and pulled my hair into a messy bun on top of my head. I wasn't nervous, not really. I dropped into my swivel chair and started up on the apology note.

First Jace.

Jace,

I know you'll be furious when you find out I've gone and more so when you find out where. I refuse to let you sacrifice yourself for me. I wouldn't have allowed you to come with me either. My father and brother are sadistic pain-loving men and to assure my cooperation, probably would torture you until I pleaded for your death. Magnus will give more information when I can get it to him. Stay safe, please. And do NOT come looking for me until Magnus says so.

I love you,

Clary

And now Mom and Luke.

Mom and Luke,

Oh how I see it now, Mom grinding her jaw and Luke paling. I love you both and you know that. I know you don't agree with me that I should follow through with Magnus's plan, but it's my life and my decision. I'm going to find Valentine and Jonathan, and I will somehow keep in touch with Magnus. He will update you as soon as I contact him and I urge you not to worry. Again, I love you both and I will see you soon.

Love,

Clary

There was a knock at my door. "Clary, Simon is here." Luke's voice was muffled. I folded up the letters and sat them on the pillow. I grabbed my bag and went out of my room, missing it already.

Mom and Luke were cuddled on the sofa. Their legs intertwined. She was reading some book about Andy Warhol and Luke was flipping through the channels. I ran over to them, squeezed them tightly to my small frame and kissed them both on the cheek.

"Love you!" I shouted as I pounded out of the apartment before the tears that prickled my eyes spilled over. I slid into Simon's car without looking at him and he shifted into gear, grabbing my hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Instead of going to the school we went the opposite direction, towards Magnus's apartment. A few loose tears rolled down my cheek and I wiped them away with the hand that wasn't in Simon's.

"Clary, it'll be okay." He smiled over at me but even I knew he was lying. I had to do this though. I had to. The car pulled up to Magnus's and he helped me out of the car and gripped my elbow as we went upstairs. I knocked once and the door flew open.

"Are we ready to go then?" Magnus gave me a supportive smile and I nodded, scared that if I said anything I would cry.

Don't you just feel bad for Clary? I hope I kind of gave you a reason as to why Jace can't go with Clary, I mean if you've read City of Ashes (and I'm hoping you have) you see why I can't hand him over to them so easily. I mean do you know what he did to Maia and Simon in CoA? Any who I hope you like the chapter. Please tell me what you think and I want to give a huge THANK YOU! to nkiing, rats xp, acompletenerd, , SwanQueen4055, zoey5211, Dl9571, HP-TMI-TS and all the others who are reading and have reviewed recently. It means so much!

XOXO- Emma