A/N- So I'm really trying to update faster and also make the chapters longer, how many more chapters honestly depends on how much longer it takes me to get everything in :) There will be an epilogue as the last chapter, so yeah :) Don't forget, if you ever have any ideas that you think would be good for the story, feel free to enlighten me, I'll figure something out!

WELP. HERE I AM OVER A YEAR LATER FINALLY UPDATING.

I am so sorry, guys! I really deserve to be slapped, because aGH I have been absent for so long! I am going to do my literal best to update this as often as I can. Of course, I won't be updating every single day, and there may be spaces in between chapters especially with my school play and Thanksgiving coming up, but I will TRY. Plus, I've had newfound inspiration. I'm so sorry, I DIDN'T MEAN TO ABANDON YOU. I WON'T DO IT AGAIN I PROMISE.

Chapter 30:

I watched as Isabelle scanned through racks of clothes, gnawing on my lower lip as I thought through ways to tell her about Jonathan.

She continues to talk, her mouth moving but I can't comprehend her words. I'm too distracted by the images swirling in my brain of Jon, of her reaction, everything. How has life gotten so...stressful?

"Clary, is everything okay?"

I looked up once she spoke, and immediately felt a lump form in my throat. I knew I would have to tell her at some point during our day, but I was hoping that she wouldn't ask me anything near to what she just did. Of course, everything wasn't fine, and I was nearly losing my mind over all that's happened.

"Actually, no."

It took everything in me to reply, trying to speak over the lump in my throat, heart pounding in my chest. I was just so afraid of what Isabelle would think of me. Would she be upset that I didn't tell her? It could be seen as me not trusting her enough.

"What is it?"

Worry creeped into her tone, and I sucked in a careful breath, meeting my eyes with hers.

"It's time I tell you something."

I had that look in my eyes that showed it was important and personal, and she took the hint, sitting down beside me and leaning in close. And, that's when I told her. I began to tell Izzy all about my run-ins with Jon, all the while trying to remain cool and collected. I told her how I'd told both Simon and Jace about it, but I couldn't find a way to tell her.

"I was just so scared," I told her, tears brimming in my eyes. "I didn't know how you'd react."

Isabelle, at this, pulled me into a hug, holding me against her. I could feel the love and understanding behind the gesture, and I instantly relaxed into her embrace, wrapping my slim arms around her frame, allowing the tears to fall, biting my lip to prevent noise.

"I could never judge you for this, Clary. You're my best friend. And of course, I'm not mad at you. Things like this aren't easy to tell, even your best friend." She continued to hug me, her hand playing with locks of my hair gently. "I love you, okay?"

"I love you, too." My voice was muffled in her shoulder, and I felt myself smile. "I'm glad you're not mad."

"I could never be mad. Now, just remember that from here on, you can tell me anything. If there's something you need to talk about that you're not sure how to talk about with Jace, you have me."

"Understood. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I pulled her into another hug, breathing in her lavender scent and smiling softly. This was just what I needed.

"Crash and burn. Now how about some more shopping? We both could use a distraction right about now."

"I feel ya."

x.X.x

Two hours later and with an aching in my whole body, Isabelle and I walked into a cafe in Brooklyn, collapsing into two light blue chairs, our own coffees in hand. I groaned, feeling the beginning of a headache in the back of my head.

"I didn't know I was capable of that much shopping."

I caught my breath, taking a drink of my coffee, savoring the warm flavor bursting inside my mouth, bouncing against my tongue.

"And that's barely anything for me. But I agree, I'm worn. Coffee is just what I need. Hellooo."

She hummed, taking a long sip, and I giggled, sighing as I leaned my head back against my chair, closing my eyes. This day out with Isabelle had been more fun than expected, and now that I had gotten everything off of my chest, I had already begun to feel better. Of course, if I went back to reality, things still weren't exactly how they were before. Jon was still out there, but not my brother. I still had a few things to resolve with Jace. I couldn't deny I felt awful about what I'd said. He was only worried, which was completely understandable. Yet, I blew up at him.

But for now, I put those worries in the back of my mind, enjoying the time I had to spend with Isabelle. I moved my gaze towards her, who was currently savoring her coffee, running a hand through her long black hair.

"This has been fun, Clary. Didn't realize how much I needed this until now. Also, it's been too long since we've properly hung out."

"I know, it definitely has. I have to admit, you make everything fun, Isabelle. Including shopping."

She put a hand to her heart, "That really means so much to me, Clary!"

I laughed, taking another drink of my coffee and enjoying the company beside me. Wow. What a day.

"Think we should take these to go? I'm thinkin' we go over to my place, kick back in my room with a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. Quality girl time."

"I'd love that. Just let me talk to my mom."

After we stopped by the apartment and had everything cleared with my mom, we went to my room to grab a few things.

"I'm glad you're coming over. Part of me just doesn't want to leave you here by yourself."

I nod, sifting through my drawers and pulling out clothes for tomorrow along with pajamas. I grabbed my brush from the bathroom next door along with other necessities, Isabelle waiting for me back in my room.

"Yeah, me too. Thank you for looking out for me."

I smiled, stuffing everything I'd gathered into a bag and thrusting it over my shoulders.

"Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

x.X.x

Several minutes later, Isabelle pulled into the driveway of her home and I smiled as I looked at its beautiful exterior. I'd always liked her house, how simple yet elegant it was. My stomach churned as I realized Jace was inside, and I turned to Isabelle.

"I have some things I need to resolve with Jace at some point." I told her, fidgeting in my seat. "I just wanted to let you know."

She nodded, "Of course. What happened?"

"I kind of..snapped at him last night. He was only worried and trying to protect me, but I was just getting annoyed at the constant calling at late hours, texting..so I snapped. I feel - awful."

"Oh, hun." Isabelle ran a finger along a lock of my hair. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure he understands. But yes, resolving it can help clear the air. Let's head inside."

I nodded and exited her car, taking a breath as fresh air filled my lungs. Things already felt as though they were getting better, and I was feeling happier than I had the past couple weeks.

"Hey, Izzy...and Clary."

Alec greeted us once we were inside the door, and I heard footsteps coming from behind him, emerging from behind the wall blocking the hallway. My eyes took in Jace fully, and I couldn't help the flutter my heart did. He had that effect on me, no matter the circumstances.

"Hey."

Jace smiled softly at me, worry etching his features. I just smiled back and gave a small wave, looking towards Izzy.

"Mind if I talk to him really quick? After that, one hundred percent girl time."

"Go on, girl." She grinned devilishly, her lips painted a bright red.

I mouthed a thank you, almost tripping over the first step before going up the stairs and towards Jace. He turned as I neared him, disappearing behind his bedroom door. I followed, closing it behind me.

"Jace, I'm sorry."

The apology left my lips before I could even think, but it wasn't a bad thing. I was sorry.

"Clary, it's okay."

He sat on the edge of his bed, eyes meeting mine in the near dark of his bedroom. I detected the hint of a small smile on his face, and I moved to sit beside him.

"I feel like it isn't. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. I know that you're just worried, now especially. I love you, Jace."

I breathed, wrapping my arms around his waist. He returned the gesture, pulling me to him, moving me to where I rested on his lap, head lying in the crook of his neck. I breathed in his sweet scent, drowning in the feel of him against me, planting a kiss to my forehead.

"I love you, too Clarissa. With all my heart."

I smiled, my fingertips brushing the back of his neck, humming. If only I could stay here, in this position with him forever. I curled into him as his thumb brushed smooth strokes against my back, hair tickling my forehead as he placed a feather light kiss to my lips. My eyelids fluttered and a grin curved on my lips, pulling him back into a more longing kiss.

His mouth closed over mine, the missing piece to my puzzle. My hand slid upwards and rested on the back of his neck, pulling his face closer to mine. His hand held onto my back, holding me against him ever so gently. I smiled softly and giggled, pulling away from the kiss and resting my forehead against his lightly.

Jace's head ducked, and he pressed a feather light kiss to my knuckles, lips curling upwards against my skin, lingering a few moments.

"I'll say it again: I love you, Clarissa Fray."

I smiled, kissing him once more. Still curled in Jace's lap, I laced my fingers through his.

"I love you, too Jace Wayland."

A/N- Okay, but I just really want to say this to you guys. It makes me feel SO good when I get positive reviews on this fanfiction, or any of my works really. It makes me feel good when people tell me they would buy this if it were a book and read it several times, it means a lot if people stay up so late into the night just to read MY work because that means it's good. And it really makes me feel like I'm actually doing a good job. I feel so good when people tell me they literally fangirl over this, or that something made them cry, or squeal with happiness, because it means my writing is good. I've felt this way about other stories I've read in the past, and it makes me feel so good that people feel that way about what I write. I just want to thank EVERYBODY for the continued support on this story, and that I appreciate every single one of you, new reader or not. You all mean so much to me, thank you. For everything. 3

(Also, sheesh, I have definitely improved in my writing over the past two years. I was so awful back then *cringgeee* But you can seriously see the improvement as you read on in this fanfic.)

*NEW CHAPTER COMING SOON (COUGH HOPEFULLY)*

Also sorry this is kinda short, I'll try making the next one longer. Also: suggestions would be MUCH appreciated right now. Need ideas on how to close up this part of the fic!