I wrote for weeks straight. Some nights I barely slept to perfect my lyrics and other nights I was too washed up in my own sorrows to actually write anything. So, I cried. Eventually, I realized that tears weren't getting me anywhere and thinking about all of the great memories that were impossible to relive were worthless. I only wanted to remember what Jace had done for me and how he helped me. I didn't want to remember the crushing moment of helplessness or waste my tears or time on him anymore.

I floated through school for the first couple weeks. Jace remained with Seelie and I remained silent. I avoided looking at him and at first I avoided Izzy as well, seeing her only hurt me more. But I realized that Izzy didn't do anything wrong. Izzy hadn't made him cheat or say those awful things to me. I finally got over myself and apologized for ignoring her, and she welcomed me back with a grateful embrace. I missed having my best friend around and I love having her back.

At home, things with Jon were getting better and better because while I was ignoring Izzy, I was talking to him. We were finally getting back to normal and it was making everything a lot easier. Even after I started talking to Izzy again, I still tried to remain close with my brother. However, by doing so, I made Valentine angrier with me. The weeks following the terrible breakup, Valentine made sure to make my life hell. The beatings got worse and so did the nasty comments.

Despite my hellish life, I was trying my best to stay positive and not completely lose everything that Jace had taught me. Although it hurt me to think of him, I decided that I wasn't doing these things for him, but for myself. I was going to change my life. I was going to make a name for myself and get out of my awful house. I was going to make a difference.

Which brings me back to the song. After weeks of writing I finally finished it, and I have to admit, I was proud of myself. My song was a break up song but it was how I was going to move on and not waste any more time -or tears - on Jace.

Izzy was proud of me as well and I couldn't wait to plan a sleepover so she could hear it because I was certainly not bringing it to school with me. The weekend after I finished the song, it was planned. I would go over to Izzy's house on Friday night while Valentine was out for the weekend because he was working with a new band. Friday night would be the night my life would change.

It's Friday and I'm sneaking out of the house to go see Izzy. Feeling confident, I stroll out the front door with nothing but a shout up to Jon to tell him leaving. I decide to walk all the way to Izzy's house to leave myself time to think about what I'm doing next. I'm so excited that I'm practically vibrating with excitement.

When I'm about to walk up Izzy's driveway, I notice a certain car in the driveway. Jace's car. I can't help but feel my chest tighten up and my breath quicken at the thought of seeing him and at the possibility of seeing him with her again. With a quick shake of the head and a deep breath, I gather myself and march straight through the door and up to Izzy's room without a glance at Jace's now permanently closed door.

I slam Izzy's door shut and turn around in a huff. When I see her excited face I instantly squeal and burst into excited and anxious giggles.

"Are you really gonna do it?!" Izzy asked me excitedly.

"Yes, I'm really gonna do it." I told her with a smile.

I shakily pull out the crinkled card in my pocket and read it silently although I already have the numbers memorized. I nervously sit on Izzy's bed but quickly stand up again as my anxiety rises.

I hold out my hand for Izzy's phone and I shakily dial the numbers.

The next few moments were filled with nerves as I heard the phone start to ring. Next, I heard a female voice answer.

"Hello this is the Institute. How may I help you today?"

"Hello, this is Clary Fray. I'm looking for Raphael Santiago."

"One moment please." The woman kindly replied before soft music started playing in the earpiece.

I glanced at Izzy and gave her a nervous smile and thumbs up.

"I'm on hold." I mouthed to her.

She silently squealed and clapped her hands in excitement.

"Hello, this is Raphael Santiago." A gruff but nice voice answered.

"Hello Mr. Santiago, this is Clary Fray. I met you at a concert a while back?" I asked, uncertain that he would remember me.

"Ah yes! Clary! Of course I remember you!" He answered with excitement. "How may I help you?"

"I have a new song that I think you should listen to." I told him with unbridled excitement.

We set a time for the following day for me to come in a show it to him. I couldn't have been more excited for the inevitable change that was taking place in my life

The next morning, Izzy and I woke up at 10 A.M. sharp in order to get primped and polished for the meeting at noon with Mr. Santiago. About an hour and a half later we were ready to go and perfect.

By the time we showed up, he was ready to see us and we strolled right back into his fancy office to discuss plans. I handed him the tape that I had recorded and as it played, a slow grin spread across his face.

"I loved it," he said. "When can I sign you on as a recording artist? I need you to be my client Clary, I can make you huge! There's just one minor complication, I am getting a new job at a studio in California but I would absolutely love it if you followed me there and started your career with me."

This was definitely a damper in my excitement as I was expecting to pursue my career here rather than there. However, this was a fantastic opportunity for me to get away from my father once and for all and lead a new life.

With only a moment of hesitation and a quick glance at Izzy I decided that we can figure out the details later.

"Lets do it."

A/N

Hello everyone! Thank you for sticking with me on this one! I know that it's been a while since I've updated and my apologies! I'm hoping that now because it's summer I'll be able to keep up with it more! I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I will update soon!

Thank you!

R&R!

Alexa