Sorry for the delay in updates. My laptop charger broke and I've just gotten a new one. Please enjoy this extra-long chapter as an apology!
Once I'd woken up, I couldn't get back to sleep. I tried to keep my heaving to a minimum picking up my sketchpad, drawing mindlessly. The page was overtaken by doodles and little sketches. When it reached a reasonable time, I picked my phone up from the dresser – scrolling through my texts.
Simon: Clary – we really need to talk! Hit me back ASAP
Clary: I'm busy this morning, I'll let you know if I'm free later. Try not to worry.
I had more messages from what I assumed was Sebastian but I deleted them on sight, unable to read them ahead of the plan today.
Jace: Still up for today?
Clary: I am if you are.
Jace: You know me, Red. Game for anything.
I laughed, climbing into the shower. I found it best to keep my daily routine as normal as possible, not wanting Sebastian to think he was having any sort of effect on my life. I left my hair down, similar to how I wore it every day, I kept my make up the same and dressed similar to how I would on an average day, not wanting Sebastian to think I'd dressed up to see him. This was a typical reminder of what life was like with Sebastian. Questioning every action, debating every choice, no matter how trivial. When I was ready, I sat crossed-legged on my bed, sketchpad in hand. I was dragged from my thoughts by my phone vibrating.
Jace: Sooo, when am I getting you?
Clary: I'm not sure. 1pm? Can you get me at the bottom of the road though?
Jace: You wound me, Red. Why must you deny our love?
I was struggling with what to reply with when another text came through.
Jace: I'm just kidding. 1 is it, meet you on the corner.
It got to 12:45 and I was already pulling on my shoes.
"You running off again?" Jon was in the living room, looking at me questionably.
"No. I'm going to see Simon." I said the first thing that came to my mind. Jon nodded slowly.
"You'd tell me if something was up, wouldn't you?" I nodded. Something's weren't worth discussing though.
"Well yeah, you know what the matter is anyway."
"That's true. Keep that in mind though Clary, catch you later." On my way through the door, I bumped into my mum whose arms were laden with groceries.
"Clary! Can you give me a hand, honey?"
"Sorry mum, I'm meeting Simon – I'll catch up later ok?" I felt bad lying to her, but what could I do?
"Oh alright – have fun dear." I darted off down the street and was relieved to see that Jace was already there, five minutes early. I opened the car door, exhaling as I sat down.
"I didn't realise I made you so nervous, Red." I turned to look at Jace and couldn't help but notice his attire. He was dressed in dark jeans, a lengthy white t-shirt and a fitted leather jacket – a welcome change from the sports-wear I was used to seeing him in. "Take it all in, Red." Jace was smirking at me and I shook my head.
"Shut it you. I feel sick enough as is without your dreadful sense of humour." Jace's hand flew to his heart.
"That- hurts." I laughed but as soon as I did the nerves resurfaced in my stomach. Jace must have noticed the change in me as he quickly readied the car. The closer we got to main-street, the closer my heart climbed into my throat, until I was a shaken mess. Jace stopped the car opposite main-street and placed a steady hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to do this; if you don't want too."
"I have too." I sighed, unbuckling my seatbelt. Jace seemed reluctant to let go of my shoulder.
"Do you want me to walk along with you?" I shook my head, this was something I had to do by myself. Once I had opened the car door, I readied myself for the worst.
"A text away?" I asked, holding the door.
"Just one." He smiled.
"And you can run fast?"
"The fastest." Jace winked as I closed the car door. As I crossed the road, I pulled my jacket across myself defensively. The street was relatively quiet, unsurprising for a Sunday. It was full of peddlers however, stalls set up left, right and centre. I started to question whether or not Sebastian was even here. Just as I was about to give up hope, I caught sight of a group of artists stationed near the bottom of the street and hesitantly headed in that direction. It didn't take me long after that to seek out Sebastian. He was dressed in a plain grey t-shirt and some dark green paint splattered cargo pants. His hair was longer than when I'd seen him last, but swept back the same way. He was finishing up a portrait and I stood glued to the spot, just out of sight, gathering my thoughts. After a small pep talk, I walked slowly over to the stalls, my hands jammed in my pockets. Questions were running through my mind – how would I explain why I was there? In my absent-mindedness, I walked straight past Sebastian's stall, forgetting to stop.
"Clary?" A voice behind me questioned. I counted to five before turning around. "It is you." Sebastian was stood mere inches from me, his eyes full of wonder, and his face full of hope.
"Sebastian?" I said, mainly because I couldn't think of anything else to say.
"What are you doing here? I can't believe it. I didn't think I'd see you just walking down the street." He started to babble and I could do nothing but smile awkwardly.
"I was out for a walk." The best I could manage. People were weaving between us, and Sebastian clearly must have felt my anxiousness as he was quick to beckon me over.
"Come. Sit." He gestured to his table and I cautiously made my way to the seat, placing myself down. He pulled out a piece of paper, pencil at the ready. "Why haven't you answered my calls or texts?" He asked, sketching out parameters.
"We broke up Sebastian. You know why." I said, watching his hands rather than his face.
"So you have a new boyfriend then clearly." Sebastian muttered, sketching more heavy-handed.
"No. Just because I don't want to talk to you, doesn't mean I'm with someone else. I don't have one, nor do I want one." I made myself as clear as possible.
"So, how do you explain the call I received?"
"What call?"
"From the same guy who answered your phone a few days ago. He called me yesterday, threatening me." I had no idea what he was talking about. Had Jace called Sebastian? How? When? Suddenly a thought dawned on me – the milkshake bar.
"That was my brother – nothing suspicious." I kicked myself, yet again I was explaining myself too him, lying to him because I was scared of how he would react to something trivial. I chanced a glance at Sebastian. He was staring at me dead on, his hands sketching skilfully. His gaze that once used to summon butterflies to my stomach now conducted nothing but fear. I shuffled in my seat uneasily.
"Relax Clary." He soothed causing me to grit my teeth. "I've missed you, y'know. It's really down to you thought that I got into the Art Institute. Most of the sketches I took to my interview were ones I'd made just after we'd split. So I have that to thank you for. It's almost as though the universe was trying to bring us back together," He flashed me a grin and I knew what he was trying to do. His charm was one of his most abundant skills and didn't he know it. All I could manage was a face I didn't even know how to respond. It took me a while to gain the courage to ask him what I really wanted to know.
"What do you want from me, Sebastian? Cut to the chase." I'd suddenly realised that I was in control. I could leave whenever I wanted, do what I liked. Meeting with Sebastian had made me realise he was just a person, not the terrifying creature I had created in my head. Sebastian was taken aback by my front, he dropped his pencil, running his hand through his hair, smiling.
"I want a chance, Clary. A chance to make things right between us. The way I behaved when we were together wasn't acceptable and it wasn't me. I want to make up for that." It wasn't me – how many times had I heard that? I went to get up from my seat but Sebastian mimicked me. "Clary! At least let me finish the picture." He gestured to his work and I sat back down sighing. I had told myself that I would give him the time it took to create a portrait. "I know I hurt you Clary but I'm the only one who can rectify that."
"Sebastian – it can't be rectified. It just can't. I can't go back there."
"Then we'll start afresh."
"Sebastian…"
"Clary, please!"
"Sebastian, I can't. I need you to leave me alone." It was as though he just snapped. His jaw hardened, his eyes losing their warmth – the Sebastian I knew too well finally resurfacing.
"No." He grumbled, his eyes downcast on the portrait, hands working furiously.
"What do you mean – no? It wasn't a question."
"I'm saying no clary. I'm not ready to give up on this. I can't. Our story isn't finished."
"It is finished. I finished it."
"You finished nothing! You ran away!" His eyes were blazing. My heart was thumping in my chest, the knowledge that Jace was moments away making me braver.
"It's finished. I'm finishing it for good now – is that what you want to hear?" He shook his head.
"You don't mean that. You just need more time. You just need to see that I'm different."
"You're the same Sebastian. You have anger issues, I can't help you with that." He slammed his hand on his counter.
"Don't tell me I have issues Clary." I rested back in my seat re-evaluating. We were in public, he couldn't hurt me here.
"I don't think we have anymore to talk about." He looked at me, a crooked grin playing on his lips.
"I can see through you like that Clary." He clicked his fingers. "I know it wasn't your brother on the phone. He would have said when I asked. You're seeing someone and you don't want me to know." Sebastian eyed me up, watching me closely.
"Fine, you want it straight? It wasn't Jon. It was his friend. Not my boyfriend. My brother's friend, nothing more." Sebastian laughed, long and hard.
"That's what you think. He didn't talk like a friend or a brother Clary. Plus if you think I have anger issues – you should hear this one!" What had Jace said to him?
"Save it Sebastian. I need to go." I got to my feet and once again Sebastian did the same.
"Don't you want your picture?" He handed me the portrait and I looked it over. It was completely different to the other portrait he'd done when we first met. My hair was wild, my eyes equally so. It was no less beautiful but I couldn't put my finger on why it was so different. The bottom right was signed – "Clary, my eternal love. Yours Sebastian"
"You can have it." I handed it back but Sebastian refused.
"I have enough of my own." He pushed the paper back at me. I held it in my hands but didn't look at it.
"Are you going to leave me alone?" I asked once more – I had to find out whether coming here had been worth it.
"I can't promise that Clary." He stepped towards me, his hands touching my shoulders. Suddenly I lost my courage, consumed by fear. I froze as he leant forward, kissing my cheek. I was rooted to the spot as Sebastian was pulled backwards by his shirt. It was Jace.
Jace's POV
A while had passed and I was starting to grow concerned. Against my better judgement, I drove the car up the road until I saw Clary sat at a stall. Pulling into the closest space, I watched over the dashboard. She was sat at his table and he was clearly drawing. He looked nothing like I would have expected him too. It looked like a completely normal situation, from afar you wouldn't even have guessed that they knew each other. True to form, his volatility didn't take long to show itself. He smashed the table with his hand and I unbuckled my seatbelt. It was only when Clary relaxed in her seat that I kept my own in the car. She was in control. Minutes passed and Clary was on her feet. He was quick to follow her. The picture exchanged hands, Sebastian to Clary before she tried to hand it back. As soon as he took a step towards her, I jumped out of the car – storming over without thinking about it. I didn't need to wait for a text, as soon as I saw his hands on her, I knew I'd made the right choice. His lips touched her cheek just as my hands grabbed his shirt, flinging him backwards. His face burst into a smile and I couldn't wait to knock it right off for him.
Clary's POV
I couldn't believe my eyes. Sebastian was smiling at Jace knowingly, the both of them holding their ground.
"I wondered when you would show up." Sebastian laughed.
"What are you talking about?" How had he known?
"After that phonecall yesterday, I knew if I saw you Clary that loverboy wouldn't be far behind." I looked at Jace, his jaw was clenched, his stance firm.
"We're leaving Clary, come on." He looked at me.
"You've let your standards slip Clary. I thought you had taste – not you're hanging out with jocks, I thought you were different. What has McKenna High turned you into?" Sebastian's eyes flashed and Jace pounced. His baiting had worked. He'd not only provoked Jace he'd gotten the information he wanted. I just managed to catch Jace's arm, tugging him back.
"It's not worth it. Come on." I said to Jace, pleading with my eyes. Jace started to follow me to the car, but Sebastian wasn't done.
"We're not over Clary! See you soon baby!" He shouted, teasingly. Once Jace was safely in the car and away from Sebastian's taunts, I had a good look at him. He looked livid. He immediately turned the car on and drove away quite quickly. I managed to seatbelt myself in just as fast. Was it safe to talk to him? His jaw was still clenched and he was driving the opposite way to home. I sat in silence. Was this my fault? I kept the portrait folded in my lap, looking out of the window as landscapes shot past. Something was baying on my mind.
"You called him?" I asked as we were in traffic on a bridge. Jace looked at me, his face softened ever so slightly.
"One minute Clary." Was all he said as he turned off towards a park. He climbed out as soon as we pulled up, leaving me to chase after him. Once I'd caught up with him, he was perched next to a lake.
"That was a little bit more than a minute." I gasped, nursing a stitch. Jace didn't laugh, he didn't even look at me.
"Yes I called him." Jace admitted as I sat myself next to him.
"Why?" I asked, he just shrugged.
"Thought I could scare him off."
"I don't think Sebastian does scared off. He just antagonises."
"Did you tell him we were together?" Jace asked, looking up confused.
"No. You did that one yourself." He looked even more confused. "Sebastian sees everyone as a threat. If you came across as defensive on the phone, he'll have deduced it from that. Just ignore it." I explained.
"Just ignore it." Jace repeated under his breath. I had a good look at the lake, it was serene. I understood why Jace had brought us here. I was dragged from my thoughts when I felt something tugging my hand. Jace had taken the portrait and was opening it up. For some reason I felt embarrassed.
"It's a good picture – but it's not you." Jace commented, handing it back. I didn't want to look at it again. Folding it back over, I got to my feet seeking out the nearest bin. "Why don't you keep it, it's just a picture?" Jace said from where he sat. I shook my head. I couldn't keep it, it was like letting him back in.
"I feel like an idiot." Jace said when I walked back over, the picture binned.
"Why?" I asked confused.
"I told him what school you go too." Jace admitted.
"It's not like you gave him my address." I shrugged. I really hadn't considered the repercussions of Sebastian knowing what school I went too. I made a mental note to make sure I got car rides there and back for the near future.
"I'm proud of you though." Jace said, looking out at the lake.
"What for? Not running away screaming?" He shot me a look.
"Don't play it down. What you did today was really brave Clary. You faced your fear head on and now at least you know if you ever come across him again, that you can deal with it." My mind was a whirlpool of emotions, I wanted to smile but all I could manage was tears.
"He said he's not going to leave me alone. It doesn't seem like progress." I shrugged, wiping my eyes with my jacket.
"He'll soon give up. So long as you don't give into him, then he can't do anything." I wasn't so sure, I'd learned to never put anything past Sebastian. "He's not worth your tears." Jace went to rub my eyes with his own jacket, I pushed his hand away.
"No, don't ruin your jacket." He tutted.
"Don't be so silly, Red. It's only a jacket." He wiped my eyes before pulling me in for a hug. It was a strange feeling being in Jace's arms, especially after the encounter I had just had with Sebastian. Just as I was started to relax, Jace tensed up. "Oh shit." He muttered and I followed his gaze. I immediately saw what he was looking at. Jon was on the other side of the lake clearly out for a run, but he was headed in this direction.
"I don't suppose he'd take too kindly to finding us out here together after I lied to him, would he?" I asked Jace as we got to our feet.
"Nope, don't think so." Jace took off down the hill. I tried to keep pace with him but it was impossible. He already had the car running by the time I got there. I threw myself into the car, the wind having turned my hair into nothing short of a birds nest. It was all over my face and I was having difficulties shifting it. Jace reached out to help me, his hand grazing my cheeks as he brushed my hair behind my ears. I was laughing amongst my gasps for breath. It all happened so suddenly, if you'd blinked you would have missed it. Jace's lips briefly skirted past my own, sending a shockwave of electricity soaring up my spine. I looked at him confused, my lips slightly parted.
For the first time since I'd met him, Jace looked embarrassed and nervous. He cut me off just before I could speak.
"I shouldn't have done that."
Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews. You make my day! All of my love, until the next time! ~Sapph