Roommates & Soulmates

Chapters 13-15

Chapter Thirteen: Clary's Focus

"Magnus?" Clary whispered. "Isn't that Alec?" The two of them had just entered the cafeteria and sure enough there sat the man Magnus had been complaining to her about all morning. Clary was trying not to be hurt that Magnus was only hanging out with her today to complain that his other friend was too busy to spend time with him. She knew Magnus needed someone to be around people who had no memories of him with Camille and she was trying to be okay with that. It would be worth it if it helped Magnus get over that horrid woman.

"That's Jace he's with," Clary observed. "I thought you said those two didn't get along."

"They don't," Magnus replied. Clary watched as Alec got up and encouraged Jace to do the same. She was rather confused by this whole thing. What could those two possibly have in common?

Magnus vanished from her side, but she caught a glimpse of him talking to Alec just before Jace appeared suddenly before her.

"Hi," Jace said "I just wanted to tell you something."

"Alright," Clary said. She hoped he'd hurry up so she could follow Magnus.

"I've been-- I mean-- I... for a while now," Jace stopped then after a deep breath he continued. "We have that class together. Intro into Humanities or something."

"I know," Clary said. She had first noticed Jace in that class, which had upset Simon. She still couldn't explain even to herself why she had been so fixated.

"Ever since we talked," Jace said slowly. "I kind of haven't stopped thinking about you."

"Really?" Clary said skeptically.

"Yeah," Jace said. He wasn't looking at her but rather at the ground. Clary knew Jace's reputation. She'd overheard women he'd slept with talking about him in the girls bathroom on more than one occasion since arriving at this school. Jace was a player, pure and simple. There was no way this wasn't a line, even if there was a certain vulnerability to the way Jace had delivered the words.

"I bet you dream about me too huh?"

"I do," Jace confessed. He looked slightly confused and Clary had to admire his dedication to the game. A part of her was flattered he'd picked her as his girl of the day. Clary knew she wasn't any great beauty, but even if she had been her choice in clothing did nothing to flatter her. Baggy t-shirts, comfy sweaters and loose jeans didn't exactly scream sexy.

"I think I've seen this play before," she said with a slight laugh. "On TV of course." She smiled; she was flattered sure, but she had bigger problems right now. Clary looked past Jace to watch Magnus. She was worried Alec had done something to ruin the new happiness her friend had managed to grab hold of recently. Clary made to follow Magnus, but they were already done talking. Alec moved quickly to stand beside Jace, but Magnus stood perfectly still by the table where Alec had been sitting a moment ago. His face was blank as if in shock.

"Jace you okay?" she heard Alec say but Clary didn't bother to listen to Jace's reply; she didn't turn to look. Clary walked over to Magnus and put a hand on his shoulder, hoping to bring him comfort.

"What happened?" Clary asked in a whisper. Magnus didn't reply, but continued to look dazed. Clary thought she saw Jace and Alec leave the cafeteria out of the corner of her eye. She didn't bother to confirm it as her main focus at the moment rested solely on Magnus.

"I think," Magnus said miserably as he sank into a cold metal cafeteria chair. "I think he..." Magnus seemed unable to finish the sentence or perhaps unsure how.

"What did he say?" Clary asked instead trying to help him express his thoughts.

"That he can't be my friend anymore," Magnus said.