Lost part 2

III

Monday morning… Clary hit her alarm clock on the head and rolled out of bed.
She yawned widely and headed towards the bathroom. She’d had a night full distorted of dreams about Simon and her old school, interjected with nightmares about finding no clothes, being hated and shunned and feeling highly out of place. She tried to ease her fear by taking a really hot shower and picked out her clothes meticulously. Tight jeans, black top, green hoodie. She put up her flaming red hair in a messy bun to keep it out of the way.
Her mom had made her breakfast, toast and fresh orange juice.
Having finished Clary put on her sneakers and left for school.

It was still early when she pulled up in the school parking lot. Plenty of time to find her way around. She found the school reception without any problems and was given her class schedule by Mrs Hill.
“Here you go Miss Fairchild.” she said, handing her all of her paperwork.
“Some forms for your parents to fill out, the schedule for all your classes and a map of the school.”
The door swung open and a raven haired girl walked in carrying paperwork.
“Ah, Miss Lightwood, please meet Miss Fairchild. She'll be joining you in class starting today. Would you please help her around the school?”
“Of course Miss Hill.” The girl replied, and turning to Clary she said
“Hi! I'm Isabelle Lightwood, but please call me Izzy!”
“Clary Fairchild, nice to meet you.”
“Let's go! I'll show you around a bit before classes start.”
Isabelle grabbed Clary by the arm and towed her along.
“Look, here you can find all the lockers, and over there is the cafeteria. You can sit with me and my brothers for lunch if you want to.”
“Oh thanks, that would be nice.” Clary said. She liked Isabelle. She was friendly without being pushy. Just the kind of person she matched with.
“Do you have any siblings Clary?”
“Oh no, I'm an only child. My father died shortly after I was born. My mother met my stepfather only when I was nine and then they decided not to have another child. So I'm on my own.”
“I'm sorry to hear that. Can't have been easy on you.”
“Oh, it's ok you know. It's all I've ever known, so I don't really miss it. And I have Luke as a father, he's the best. You said you have brothers. What's that like?”
“Oh, most of the time they're a pain in my ass, but I wouldn't’ want to have a life without them. I love them to bits. Alec is a year older than I am. Jace is my age.”
“You're twins then?”
“No, no,we're not. Jace is adopted.”
“That's interesting.”
“It's brilliant. Best decision my parents ever made was to have him join our family. He came to us when he was ten, been with us ever since.” Isabelle said, a smile playing around her lips.
She turned to face Clary than and asked.
“Now, why did you move here in the middle of the year?”
“My mom got reassigned here. We didn't have a lot of choice.”
“I’m sorry, that must be a terrible feeling.” Isabelle said sympathetically.
“But I’m you'll feel at home soon. I’ll do my best to help you with that, be your friend, you know. I have the feeling we might click just fine!
“But let's go, class is about to start. First period is math with Mr Starkweather.”
“Uhg… math, not my favorite object. And I'm not very good at it either. How's the teacher?”
“I like him. He nice and doesn't mind explaining again if you ask nicely.” Izzy said.
““Sounds ok.” Clary said relieved. “I've always had trouble with math and never really had a good teacher.”
“You'll be fine. Come, I'll introduce you.” Izzy replied and pulled Clary inside the classroom.
It was a spacious room with big white tables that could seat three students. Most however were occupied by just two and one chair left vacant.
Clary looked around, wondering where she might fit in. It was rather obvious that everyone already knew each other and the groups seemed rather tight. There was no inviting space anywhere.
On table only seated one student. A lanky boy with bright, golden hair and intriguing eyes. They seemed to shift color depending on the light.
“Mr Starkweather,” Clary heard Isabelle say. And she pulled her thoughts back to her friend. ”This is Clary Fairchild, she's new, just started today.”
“Good morning Miss Fairchild.” Mr Starkweather said pleasantly. He was a young teacher, Clary noticed. He had light brown hair and dark inquisitive eyes. She decided that she liked him.
“The principal informed me you were coming. You can join Isabelle and Jace at their seats for this class. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to talk to me if you have any questions.”
“Thank you sir.” Clary replied and followed Isabelle to her seat.
It was the table with the golden haired boy Clary had noticed earlier, and she looked at him a little shyly.
“Jace, meet Clary. Clary, this is Jace, my brother for all intents and purposes.” Isabelle introduced them.
“Hi.” Clary said a little shyly.
“Morning.” Jace said and he pulled out the chair next to him offering it to Clary. She took it and pulled out her books.


By the end of class Clary’s head was spinning. She didn't have a clue what they were doing. She sighed, putting her books away and checking her schedule for her next period.
“Next up is English.” Jace said from her left side. “You can walk with me if you want. I have to be there too.”
“Oh, that would be nice. Thank you.” Clary said and fell into step next to Jace.
She had to hurry to keep up with Jace’s long strides, when he noticed he slowed down so they were walking side by side. The impatient clicking of heel behind then told Clary that Isabelle was catching up too.

For the rest of the morning Clary sat next to Isabelle and Jace, making the transition to a new school, new students and surroundings bearable. It was nice to have those familiar faces close by. It made her feel safe and at least a little welcome.
Izzy was the talkative kind, she babbled every spare minute away with idle chatter. Jace on the other hand was quiet, attentive and seemingly a good listener. Somehow he seemed to have an antennae that picked up any uncomfortable feeling Clary had. Every time she felt like she couldn't keep up in class or was looking lost at her schedule and school map there was Jace; reassuring her, explaining something, pointing to to right paragraph in their books.

By the time lunch rolled by Clary felt comfortable and happy for the first time since she'd had the news that the family would have to move.
She followed Isabelle and Jace to the cafeteria, got lunch and plopped down at their table.
A dark haired boy, a little older than she was and who was obviously Izzy’s older brother joined them shortly after.
“Hi, I'm Alec.” he introduced himself.
“Clary.” she replied and smiled.
Alec didn’t return the smile but turned away to a friend passing by. Clary felt like an intruder, someone who, according to Alec, wasn’t really supposed to be there.
All during lunch he never said a word to her, not looking at her at all. She felt out of place at a family table.
“I’m going Izzy, Jace.” Alec said, kissing Isabelle on the top of her head.
“See you both tonight.”
And with that he left, not even acknowledging that Clary was even at their table.
She noticed Jace and Izzy exchanging covert glances. Apparently they too had noticed Alec’s distant behaviour and didn’t quite understand it.

The rest of the day went by uneventfully and when the final bell rang all three of them sighed with relief.
“Well, that's that for today! I'm glad it's over!” Isabelle smiled.
“So Clary, what do you think after your first day here?”
“I'm beat!” Clary laughed.
““And thank you for sticking with me all day Izzy! It really helped, I'm very grateful! You too Jace, thank you!”
“You're very welcome Clary.” Jace replied
“Please don't hesitate to sit by us again tomorrow.”
At that moment a group passed by the car, hooting and whistling loudly.
Clary looked up, a little embarrassed, wondering why they did that. It was obviously intended at her.
“Don't mind them.” Jace whispered.
“They're just a bunch of jerks who like to take the crap out of everyone else. Izzy, we better get going. Alec has to stay late so we have to walk home.”
“Right, let's get moving.”
“Hey, why don't I drop you guys off? I have plenty of room.”
“Oh, no, you don't have to bother really.” Jace said.
“I insist, you guys took care of me the whole day. It's the least I can do for you two. Come on, hop in!”
They both obliged and jumped in the car.
Clary revved the engine and pulled out of the parking lot in the direction Isabelle pointed.



After being dropped off by Clary Isabelle and Jace walked in the house, dropping their bags coats and shoes in the hallway.
“What was Alec’s problem at lunch?” Isabelle said.
“No idea.” Jace replied
“Seems to me he doesn’t like Clary much, but I wouldn’t know why not. I mean, she’s new, it’s not like she might have done something to him already is it?”
“No, I wouldn’t think so. I’ll try to talk to him later on. As for my part, I like her. She’s sweet and very friendly, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, she’s ok.” Jace said turning to the stairs.
“I’m heading up. Need to get some homework done and I need a shower.”
“Sure, I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”
“Thanks, what are you making?”
“Homemade pizza, just for you.”
“You’re an angel! Let me know if you need help.”
“Will do. Now go get your homework done!”
With that Jace went upstairs to his room.
He dropped his school bag on his bed, checking what still needed to be done by the next day, a chemistry test by Wednesday that needed a ton of revision, and an assignment for history that was nearly finished.
He took a seat at his desk, turned on his laptop and started on the history assignment.
His back ached and he was desperate for a shower, but he needed to get his homework finished first. He would take a shower after dinner so he could go to bed straight after. The hot water helped his sore muscles relax, but also tended to get the welts bleeding again. So not having to socialise after a shower helped to keep everything under wraps.
He was relieved that he didn’t have to go back to Valentine till Thursday.
Alec and Isabelle thought that he went to Valentine for extra chemistry tutoring. Reality was something quite different.







IV

It is strange how awful change seems, when it hasn’t yet happened, and yet how quickly you find new routines once the change has passed.
Clary found that within the first two weeks she was able to fit in perfectly at school.
She met up with Jace and Isabelle every morning, sat with them in class and at lunch and often drove them home when Alec, who still wasn’t speaking to her, stayed late.
Soon enough she got to know other people in her class like Maureen who could sing beautifully and was top at music classes, and Sarah a sporty girl with short cropped auburn hair.
She still called Simon just about every other day and they had made plans for him to come over during the next holiday.
Clary couldn’t wait for him to meet her new friends.

She quickly became best friends with Isabelle and they regularly stayed over at each other’s place, staying up till daybreak discussing everything and anything going from annoying teachers to favourite books and paintings.
And yet, Clary felt strangely drawn to Jace.
He was the quiet type, but always the gentleman. He helped her out without her having to ask and was a great math tutor. Clary was awful at math but with Jace’s help she managed to scrape by her tests.
But somehow she felt as though he was living in another world. He was often distracted or just staring out into nothing. She often seemed to break him out of a reverie but then again, he always picked up exactly where she had left of, seemingly not having missed anything she had said.

“Mom, can I stay over at Isabelle’s tonight?” Clary asked.
Her mom was in the kitchen eating breakfast and looked up a little distractedly.
“Oh what?” she said, shaking her head.
“Can I stay at Izzy’s tonight? It’s Friday and I want to discuss that new book you gave me just before we left. I just finished it and she’s already read it. Please mom?”
“Sure, why not. Luke has to work and a colleague asked me to go to dinner with her. Will you come by after school?”
“Yeah, of course, I’ll drop my schoolbag and pick up my other stuff after school. Will I see you then?”
“Probably. I’ll try to be home when you get here. Now I have to dash or I’ll be late for work. See you tonight sweetheart.” Jocelyn said and planted a kiss on top of Clary’s head.
Clary dug her phone from her pocket and texted Isabelle
“Sleepover tonight! Be ready! ”
With that she took her schoolbag and left.



Isabelle was waiting for Clary in the school parking lot. She had just arrived together with Alec.
“Hey Alec, Clary just texted me that she'll be staying over. Just so you know.” She said when Alec came out of the car.
“Again?” he said, a little annoyed
“What is with you Alec? From the first moment you saw Clary you've been rude to her. Why don't you like her? I mean, not even a little bit? I don't get it…”
“No, I don't like her. Have you seen Jace looking at her? I mean… he hardly knows her and he's fawning all over her, straight from day one. We've been through this before, haven't we? And we're always the ones who get left behind to clean up the mess those girls leave behind. Look at what happened last time! We almost lost him! So no, I don't like her. And no, I don't intend to feed into Jace’s possible feelings for her!” Alec raged
“We can't go through that again, Izzy. I can't…” He added, sounding thoroughly defeated and miserable.
“Oh Alec.” Isabelle said, hugging him closely.
“I know it hasn't been easy lately, but please, at least try to be civil with her. Yes, Jace seems to like her, but he hasn't made a move yet. Just let it play out. Clary isn't one to take advantage of anyone. And to be fair, I like her too. She's sweet and has become a real friend to me. It's been a very long time since that happened Alec.”
“I know Izzy, I'm just scared.”
“Me too, but I think this might be a good thing.”
“I hope so, I really do. I have to go now, meeting before class. I'll drive you home tonight.”
“Ok, well talk soon.”
And with that, Alec left Isabelle by the car.



“Hey Izzy, I'm heading out now. Don't want to be late to Valentine's!” Jace called out from the doorway.
“See you tonight Jace. I'll leave some dinner for you to heat up when you get back. Oh and Clary is staying over tonight too. Just so you know. We'll probably be watching some movies or something if you want to join.”
“Ok, great. I have to run now. See you later.” Jace said, trying not to sound worried. Clary coming over tonight wasn't good timing. Usually he could play Izzy and Alec off, saying he was tired after a full night of tutoring. With Clary there things would be a lot harder. He sighed when he pulled his bike out of the stall and jumped on it. He would curse at himself later for not going on foot, but time was running out fast. He really didn't want to arrive late.
Valentine had a temper in any case, and it didn't improve when confronted with tardiness. Experience had though him that.

Arriving at Valentine's, Jace put his bike next to the fence and went inside.
“You're late.” was the first thing he heard when he entered the hallway.
Jace flinched at the sound of the voice. It was ice cold and venomous.
“I apologize Father.” Jace said softly, without looking at the man in front of him.
“Go, you have work to do.” Valentine said.

Valentine wasn't Jace’s father, but ever since his actual father had died and Valentine had somehow wormed his way into his life, Jace had been forced to call him father. He hated it, but pain had made him compliant. Beat someone often enough and they'll do whatever you ask of them.
Shortly after his father had died, his mother had met Valentine. She had obviously taken a liking to him and invited him over every so often. At the start, everything seemed to go well. He was kind and gentle, although maybe a bit standoffish towards Jace. His mother had put it down to the fact that Valentine didn't have any children of his own and thus was a little uncomfortable. Jace though had always felt like there was something more to it than that.
It wasn't long before Valentine startedto get a little violent at times when Jace’s mother wasn't home. He was cunning though, always making sure that any visible marks would be covered by clothing the next day.

Jace trudged up the stairs to the library on the second floor. The house was quiet, so no company tonight. At least there was some bright light, Jace thought. It had happened before that Valentine brought “friends" along on the nights Jace came by.
The first time that had happened, Jace had tried to run, resulting in him crawling home late at night, praying everyone was asleep when he got there so he wouldn't have to explain the blood on his hands and the tear tracks on his cheeks. He told Maryse and Robert he was ill the next day to get out of going to school. He was eleven at the time.

It took all of ten minutes for Valentine to enter the room behind Jace. He put his hands on his shoulders and Jace tried to repress a shudder. He hated the man touching him, knowing what was about to come. Fearing it.

“I have heard there is a new girl in your class.” Valentine said while removing Jace’s shirt.
“And I've also heard that you to seem to be taking a liking to her.” he continued, his fingers digging into Jace’s bare shoulders.
Jace cringed, but didn't make a sound.
He heard the belt buckle loosen behind him and mentally tried to prepare himself.
He braced himself against the desk and started reading the book in front of him. The first lash made him jump and grunt. The previous welts weren't entirely healed yet, so every stroke hurt like hell.
It took every bit of self restraint to stay seated and not cry out. He tried to remain focused on the text in front of him, trying to find a way to shut his mind. It didn't work and everything Valentine did to him during that night felt like it was being branded onto him with a white hot wire.

By the time it was finished Jace could barely stay on his feet. His whole body was shaking and he was dimly aware that, for whatever reason Valentine had gone much further in his abuse than ever before.

Jace stumbled out of the house, grabbed his bike and started on his way home. He took out his cellphone to check the time, it was already past eleven. He had been here for almost four hours. He felt like he was about to die.



Clary heard the lock of the front door click and looked up just in time to see Jace walking through the hallway towards the stairs. She wanted to call out to him, but something in his posture stopped her.
“Jace, dinner is in the fridge. Do you want me to heat it up for you?” Isabelle called from the sofa next to me.
“I'll do it in a minute Izzy.” came Jace’s reply from the bottom of the stairs.
“I want to put my stuff away and freshen up before I eat.” With that, he went upstairs.

Clary tried to put her focus back on the movie she and Isabelle were watching, but her remind kept wandering off to Jace. She hasn't seen his face when he came in, but the way he had held himself… something felt off.

Half an hour later, Jace was sitting on the floor in front of the sofa Clary occupied, a bowl of soup in his hand and bread on the table in front of him.
He appeared relaxed enough and Clary returned to the movie at hand.

It was a little while later when a soft hand shook her arm.
“Clary,” it was Jace, standing in front of her.
“The movie is done, you should go up to bed.”
“Oh yeah, thank you.” she said, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
“I must have fallen asleep.”
“Yeah, you did.” Jace said, grinning a little.
“Let me help you up.” he said, reaching out his hand. Clary took it gratefully and he hoisted her up.
“Thank you Jace, I should really get to bed now.” Clary said, and she hugged him goodnight.
She felt him tense under her touch and quickly let go.
“Goodnight Jace. I'll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight Clary.” he said, and placed a kiss on the top of her head.


Clary trudged up the stairs to Isabelle’s room so she could retire for the night, all the while wondering why Jace had tensed so much under her touch.
Isabelle was talking to her, but she couldn't focus. She mmhh’d and aahh’d in all the right places to keep her happy though.
“Isabelle,” Clary interrupted her friend.
“How is Jace doing lately? He seemed a bit distracted tonight.”
“Oh what?” Isabelle said.
“Jace? He's fine, just tired. He has a tutor for chemistry where he goes from time to time. Usually he's just beat after he gets back and goes straight up to bed. He probably wanted to keep you company tonight though.” she giggled and winked at Clary.
“I'm pretty sure he doesn't see me that way.” Clary said, thinking of Jace's reaction to her hug.
“Well, you never know, do you.” Izzy replied and turned off the lights.
“Night night Clary”
“Night Izzy.”
And with that Clary crawled under her blankets and thought of Jace, and of the kiss he had placed on top of her head. Maybe not all was lost after all...


He had cringed! Jace could slap himself! He had cringed when Clary hugged him. And he had seen the flash of hurt in her eyes when they had said goodnight. He'd given her a kiss, hoping to make it up to her, but he felt like any chance of her liking him was wasted.
But she had taken him by surprise and had left him no time to brace himself. Not against the physical pain the hug had brought, but neither against the wave of fear that engulfed him when he thought of them being anything more than friends.
Valentine had made himself perfectly clear, telling him that he was not to have any kind of relationship with Clary whatsoever.
His back kept reminding him of that. Taking a shower when he had gotten home had been pure agony.
It had take every bit of self restraint not to cry out, out of fear someone might hear him. Clary couldn't know, no one could.
He tried to find a more comfortable position so as not to hurt his back too much.
And with Clary’s hug on his mind he drifted off to an uneasy sleep.