Jace surprisingly kept his distance while we watched the first film. Maybe because he didn't want to antagonise Isabelle.
"I'm starving." Simon groaned once it was finished. Isabelle agreed with him.
"I think we should order pizza." Isabelle suggested. "I should probably message Jace and ask if wants anything." As she was getting her phone out, I suddenly remembered I had mine in my pocket. Surprisingly, Jace had sent me a text.
Jace: Think you should ditch that movie and get your arse back up here.
Clary: You have a way with words, Romeo.
Jace: Hmm you're right. I'm so much better with actions, come up here and I'll show you.
Clary: Stop it!
Jace: You stop being boring.
Jace: Oh, it looks like I'm coming to you.
I quickly put my phone back into my pocket as I heard Jace stomping down the stairs. Simon rolled his eyes ever so subtly. I was beginning to wonder what his problem was. Isabelle went into the hallway to meet Jace to order the pizzas. I thought now was the perfect time to ask Simon.
"What's your issue then?" I slid myself onto the floor next to Simon. He looked at me confused.
"I'm hungry." He shrugged, smiling.
"You know what I'm talking about Simon." I gave him a look and he sighed, his body sagging.
"I don't trust him Clary. I don't trust him with you. After everything you told me about Sebastian, I feel like I have to be there for you. But you're not letting me be there for you." It suddenly dawned on me, I hadn't really been spending an awful lot of time with Simon recently. That combined with me keeping Sebastian from him seemed to be eating away at his insecurities. It wasn't Jace that Simon had a problem with clearly, it was the fact I was choosing to spend my time with Jace over spending time with Simon.
"How about we do something tomorrow? Just the two of us?" I offered. I didn't want to leave Isabelle out but Simon and I needed some us time. Like the old times. His face lit up, an instant picture.
"Really?" He was like a kid at Christmas, giddy. I nodded, and he embraced me. I recoiled as Isabelle came back into the room.
"Pizza should be here in 30 minutes. Clary, do you mind if I have a quick word with Simon?" Isabelle looked uncomfortable in the doorway and I shrugged. I had a feeling where this was going. Hopping to my feet, I found my way into the kitchen. Jace was sitting there, fully dressed, He didn't notice me come in, his attention focussed on a text book in front of him. He was gliding a pen across his bottom lip, his hand planted in his hair, elbow resting on the table. I could have stood and watched him all day but his eyes finally flickered up, finding mine.
"How long have you been stood there?" He asked, smiling lightly.
"Not long." I said, placing myself at the table opposite him, resting my elbows on the table.
"What brings you here then?" He asked, closing his book and putting down his pen.
"I got kicked out of the living room."
"Oh?"
"I think Isabelle is going to ask Simon out on a proper date." I commented under my breath. Jace was smirking.
"I'm not quite sure what she sees in him." Jace teased, rolling the pen between his fingers. I pouted.
"It's funny you should say that. Simon said the same about you." I said, looking away. When I looked back, Jace's face had fallen slightly, his eyes glaring into mine.
"What did he say?" Jace asked, leaning forward on his elbows. I shrugged.
"Nothing much." I said bluntly, staring at my fingernails. Jace growled lightly under his breath. I laughed. "He just doesn't see what I see in you."
"That's funny. He should really think about being a comedian."
"Maybe that's what Isabelle sees in him."
"I'm more interested in what you see in me." Jace smirked.
"That's none of your business."
"I can make it my business." His eyes lit up as I was just about to escape from my place at the table. Thankfully the doorbell went just in time. Isabelle went quickly to answer it. Jace broke his stare, going to the door to help Isabelle. Simon joined me in the kitchen, his cheeks were bright red and I gave him a look.
"What's up?" I asked quietly, so not to attract Isabelle's attention.
"Isabelle wants to go to the movies tomorrow. But I said we would hang, so I told her I'd think about it and I don't think she's happy with me." I laughed, giving Simon a small hug.
"Go to the movies. I can wait until Monday. I promise." I laughed.
"But I told you we would-"
"Simon, honestly. Go. Then you can tell me all about it Monday. Deal?" He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Deal." He smiled, heading off into the hallway to tell Isabelle that he was free. Jace passed him in the doorway, carrying a stack of pizza boxes.
It was clear that Isabelle was still a little bit annoyed with Jace as he stayed in the kitchen to eat his pizza, whilst we ventured into the living room. I was starting to feel a little bit like a third wheel between Simon and Isabelle. I stifled a yawn behind my hand as Isabelle and Simon were picking out a 3rd film.
"Hey, I think I'm going to go home. My mum has been trying to ring me so I think she must want me back." I said, lifting myself from the sofa, putting my jacket back over my shoulders.
"We can walk you?" Simon said, looking at Isabelle. I shook my head.
"It's fine honestly. It's only a 15 minute walk away. You two watch your movie." I smiled, heading out of the living room. "See you guys Monday." I smirked at Simon and he started to blush once more. I popped my head into the kitchen to see if Jace was still there to say a quick goodbye, but he must have went back upstairs. Pulling my shoes on, I slipped out of the door and headed back home. It had gotten quite dark outside, but there were still a few people milling about.
Clary: See you later (:
I sent Jace a quick message as I was on my way home, seeing as I hadn't been able to catch him before I left. His response was almost instantaneous.
Jace: Have you walked home by yourself…?
Clary: Yes? I'm a big girl you know.
Jace: Well no you're not, you're comically short but that's not the point. You shouldn't be walking home by yourself.
Clary: Are you telling me off?
I didn't see what his problem was. I was nearly home.
Jace: You'd know if I was telling you off. You should have asked me, I would have given you a lift.
Clary: I appreciate it, but I do have legs. Plus I'm nearly home, if I cut through the park I'll be there in 5 minutes.
Jace: Do not go through the park.
I really didn't see what his issue was, it was well lit. It's not as though it was crammed full to the brim with murderers. I totally understood that he was worried about Sebastian and whatnot, but he lived on the opposite side of town, he wouldn't just be hiding out in a park around here just in case I turned up.
Clary: I'm going through the park.
Jace: You don't like to do what you're told, do you?
Clary: Never.
I hastened my pace as I went through the park and made it unscathed to the other side. I was quite chilly when I got back into the house and headed upstairs to run myself a bath.
Clary: I'm home by the way. Safe and sound, sort of.
I left the text deliberately ambiguous, running the water.
Jace: Sort of?
Clary: I'm a little bit cold…
Jace clearly didn't find it as hilarious as I had.
Jace: You're not funny. I would have offered to warm you up, but I don't think you deserve it anymore.
Clary: Why?
Jace: You owe me one now for trying to worry me.
Clary: I'll make it up to you.
Jace: I'm sure you will.
I placed my phone on my bed before I sunk into the bath, letting the warmth soothe me before heading to bed.
When I woke up in the morning, it was pouring of rain – the type of weather that made you just want to stay in bed all day and read. Or in my case, draw. I grabbed my sketchpad from the counter, resting it upon my knees with my pillows propped up behind me. I started to sketch and before I knew it, hours had passed. I took a good look at the picture before me. I'd drawn Jace as I had seen him at that table yesterday. Serene and beautiful. I traced my finger over the image lightly before stashing my sketchpad into the drawers of my desk. I flicked through my phone, I had a few messages.
Jace: You've been very quiet on the debt front – stumped?
Clary: No. I have an idea. You're just not here for me to execute it.
Who was I kidding? I had 0 idea. I didn't do 'sexy' very well. Clumsy yes, sexy not so much.
Simon: I'm off on my date, wish me luck! Please!
Clary: Good luck! I'd say break a leg, but I wouldn't put it past you!
I rolled my eyes when I read the last one.
Sebastian: See you tomorrow.
Unsurprisingly, I didn't want to go anymore. I reopened my chat with Jace to try and cheer me up.
Jace: I can get there, you don't have to worry about that.
Clary: Stop it you.
Jace: I think you're just all talk.
Clary: Shame, means you won't get anything then.
Jace: What am I getting?
Clary: Nothing.
Jace: Don't tease me.
Clary: I'm not teasing, you're not getting anything.
Jace: I was going to offer you a date as well. Shame.
I bit my lip. He always knew how to keep me hanging on.
Clary: Fine. You offer me a date and I'll repay the debt on it, fair?
Jace: Sounds good to me. We'll go Tuesday after school. Your brother has a dentist appointment so he won't be around to question it.
Clary: Such a relief it is that you know my brother's schedule inside out…
Our conversation carried on through the day, only dying off as bedtime approached. Once I closed my eyes, I was transported to a horrendous dream. I was back in that room with Sebastian, back in that nightmare. I couldn't wake up. I couldn't do anything. I was stuck. I was screaming but no sound was coming out. Finally I could see the light, my legs unstuck and I ran for it, waking up sweating in my bed.
"Shush, shush." Jon was there, his arms were draped around my shoulders. He swept my hair back from my face, rubbing my shoulder reassuringly. Getting my breathing under control, I reclined in his hold, my heart racing. "You're alright. I'm here. Don't worry. I'm here."
"Thanks Jon." I finally managed to speak a few minutes later, catching myself.
"Don't worry about it. I'm always here if you need me." Jon said, leaving the room briefly. He returned a few moments later with his blanket and pillow.
"What are you doing?" I asked, sitting up in bed.
"I'm going to stay on your floor tonight Clary. I'm not leaving you when you're like this. Not even just to go down the hall." I smiled at him lightly before rolling on my side.
"I really appreciate it you know." I said, trying to hold back tears.
"It's what big brothers are for."
The rest of the night passed by easily, sleep not a problem with Jon in the room. I was so thankful for him, more thankful than he would ever know.
Thanks for reading and reviewing! It really makes my day that little bit brighter (: All my love, until the next time. ~Sapph