Miriam had grabbed Raphael's jacket and stumbled down the staircase. Of course the coffee and food helped, but she still felt like shit. She felt the blood rush to her head as she saw stars but she kept going. Simon was her friend and right now, he needed her.
It didn't take long for Miriam to reach Java Jones. She knew the place by heart. Her and Simon would meet during their lunch breaks, they always tried to study but ended up getting distracted and would spend the rest of the time chattering about nerdy things. She liked it when it was just the two of them, she knew she didn't have to worry about Clary vying for attention. As much of a 'best friend' to Simon Clary was, being there for him was her downfall. Miriam once called her the most selfish person she'd ever met. Simon didn't say anything. He never did. But either way, she knew she would always be here when he called.
Now she saw him pacing. He bit at his nails furiously, they were sure to bleed if he didn't slow down. Miriam jogged over.
'Simon, hey.' She spoke softly, holding a comforting arm against his shoulder.
Simon's face relaxed almost instantaneously. 'Thank god.' He pulled her into a hug.
Miriam stroked his back, shushing him. She pulled away, still holding him by his arms. 'What's wrong love?'
'I just, in the vampire den. And Camille so now things are happening and I don't know and-.'
'Simon.' Miriam interrupted him.
He looked at her with his teary puppy dog eyes.
'Why don't we sit down. Take a breath.'
'Yeah that's a good idea.' He sniffed.
'She did what?!' Miriam spoke loudly and furiously. The other people in the coffee shop stared. She lowered her voice. 'I'm going to fucking kill her.'
'Please don't.' Simon pleaded.
'Why not, the whiny bitch deserves it.'
'True. But she's scary and powerful, not to mention you've been a warlock about a week.'
'Thanks for the vote of confidence.' Miriam scoffed.
'Sorry. I just mean that I don't want you to get hurt.' He sighed. 'Besides, killing Camille doesn't solve this.' He gestured to himself.
'I can talk to Raphael, he might know what to do. We'll figure it out.' She held his hand over the table. 'Together.'
'I'm scared Miri.' He bounced his leg, grinding his jaw in discomfort.
'I know, it's okay.'
'But it's not!' Simon snatched his hand away. 'I don't want to be one of them.'
'They're not that bad.'
'Not that bad?!' Simon stood abruptly, his chair clattering against the concrete. Again, people turned to stare. Realising this, Simon leaned against the table, his hot breath against Miriam's skin. He spoke in a harsh whisper. 'You think I want to live like them? Living off blood, confined to the shadows. Like a monster.'
Miriam opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by the angry, afraid boy who stood in front of her.
'Don't.' He said, walking away.
Miriam was angry, to say the least. But not with Simon. 'The fuck are you all looking at.' She snapped at those still eyeing her. She walked in a strut, a girl on a mission, and her mission was to make Camille pay for what she did to her best friend.
