Middle School of Bones - A Mortal Instruments Story

Chapter 2

Simon and I spent the next half-hour on his family's computer and found a bus that would take us right to Becca's house. I took that as a sign from the universe that sneaking off was a good idea. All I had left to do was pick out what to wear. I didn't own any cool clothing, so after mom waved goodbye on Friday, her canvas tucked under her arm, I slipped into her room and dug through her closet. 

Most of her clothes had been damaged with art supplies over the years, but in the back was a box that mom had dated as 2011-- the year before I was born. Inside were the clothes she wore in college. I dug out a skirt made of shiny red sequins that shimmered when I held it in the light. It was just what I needed to turn my outfit from "ordinary Clarissa" to "exciting Clary". And I bet mom wouldn't even realize it was missing.

Just as I was about to shut the box, a black shirt with a white design caught my eye. I pulled it out. It was a tank top with writing that said "The Circle" in a tall, spiky font on the front. Beneath it was a circle and nothing else. After a half-second of thought, I tucked it under my arm with the skirt and dashed to my room to get changed.

I threw the skirt on over black tights and layered a red tank top underneath the black one. I put on some makeup I'd stashed beneath my mattress and examined myself in the mirror. I had to blink to make sure it was really me in the reflection. I looked so different, so much older. I could probably pass for fourteen, fifteen if you ignored my height. I slipped back into mom's room to grab a pair of black boots with heels and hurried out the door.

Simon had agreed to meet me at the bus stop, and he was already waiting there when I arrived. He hadn't done anything special with his outfit, just his usual t-shirt and jeans, but there was only so much I could ask of him.

I waved as I approached. "Hey! I'm glad you're here."

He shrugged. "I wouldn't let you go across the city alone. You look... really nice." I told him about digging it out from my mom's closet, and he laughed. 

The bus showed up and we found seats toward the center. Simon didn't seem like he wanted to talk about the party, so we talked instead about homework and our plans for the weekend. Simon had found a new band he liked on YouTube, and he loaded it up on his iPad for me to listen to. After a few videos, the bus pulled to a stop, and we walked the rest of the way to Becca's. It was dark, and I wished my phone had a flashlight like all the normal ones. I'd begged mom for years to give me a phone, and so I was stuck with one with only four buttons to call her, Simon, Luke, or the police. Sad, but it wasn't like there was anyone else I was going to call anyway. But hopefully if this party went right, that wouldn't be true for long.

It was clear which house was Becca's. There weren't decorations outside, but we could see the lights and balloons and streamers from the windows and hear the music booming from inside. Simon tried to turn back for the bus, but I caught him before he could and dragged him in with me.

As soon as we'd opened the door, we were pulled into the crowd, dancing and laughing. There were people everywhere, mostly seventh and eighth graders, but I saw a few kids who looked like they must have been in high school. I was impressed Becca was popular enough to get them to come.

"Clare! I'm so glad you could make it!" Becca appeared behind me. She was wearing a short blue dress with a silver jacket, and her blond hair was held up by sparkly clips. She had a pink beverage in her hand.

"It's Clary," I said. "But of course, thanks for inviting me."

Her eyes fell on Simon standing next to me. "And who are you?"

I answered for him. "This is Simon. I brought him along. Is that okay?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "The more the merrier! There's refreshments in the kitchen. Help yourself!"

Then she disappeared, off to greet other guests.

"How long are we staying for?" Simon asked. He had to lean in close to me to speak over the music. 

I shrugged. I knew something special was going happen at this party, and I wasn't going to leave until I figured out what.

"Refreshments?" I asked. He nodded, and we set off further into the house.