Clace Best Friends (Slow Updates)

5. The Hospital Visit

Jace

I carry Red into the ER, following her mom. "What seems to be the-" the administrative assistant begins, but stops after she sees Red.

"We need help!" Jocelyn exclaims. "My daughter, Clarrisa, her head...it's injured."

"Okay, I'll get a doctor stat," she replies, and runs to find a doctor. A few seconds later she comes back with a female doctor.

"My name is Dr. Pine. Clarissa, is it? Can you tell me what happened?" She asks.

"Last night....my...I hit my head against the bed really hard, and I felt a little dizzy. This morning...I almost fainted, and my mom and friend brought me here," Red explains. She doesn't mention the two days of being passed out. Probably protecting Jocelyn. She's always protecting other people, I just wish I could've protected her.

"I'm sorry sir, but you're going to need to put Clarissa down in the wheelchair and stay out here," Dr. Pine insists. Why is she being so short?

"Okay, Jocelyn please call me once you know something," I confirm.

"Of course, Jace," Jocelyn assures me. They walk/ride off, and I go sit in a chair in the waiting area.

Clary

"Clarrisa, it's okay. You can tell me the truth. Did that boy out there hurt you? We can keep him away from you. Keep you safe, just say the word and he's gone," Dr. Pine gently explains.

Jace

After a while, I try and see Clary, but the security comes up and tells me to sit down. What is this all about! And then I realize, they....they think I'm the one who hurt Clary. Great! Now what do I do?

Clary

"No, Jace didn't hurt me. My...my father...he hurt me. It's not the first time, but he really hurt my head this time, and Jace is the one who insisted I come to get it looked at," I defend Jace. Does she really think I'd come to the hospital with the person who hurt me?

"I'm sorry Clarissa. I can see I upset you. That wasn't my intention, I assure you. Now...you said your dad hurt you. I know it's hard, but I need you to be more specific. I need to know everything," Dr. Pine explains.

"He...he started hitting me when I was 6. But...It...started when I was 11, just after I got my period. He would come into my room and make me do things with him. He...he threatened my mom's and my life if I did anything," I can't hold back the tears.

"Thank you Clarissa," Dr. Pine says, and continues examining my head. "It seems you have a minor concussion. You need to get lots of rest. Don't do anything that makes the symptoms worse. Don't be in any stressful situations, play any video games, watch TV, go to any summer parties, read, or text or use a computer, until you see your primary doctor. Then, you can make a plan to slowly add things into your day."

"I...I'll try, but we're hiding from my dad and it's complicated," I explain.

"Just try your best. My official diagnosis is a minor concussion. You need to rest and to refrain from any strenuous activities," Dr. Pine explains. "My nurse will be in here to clean your head up, give you the proper papers, and then you may leave." Dr. Pine stands up and leaves.

"Honey, I don't want you to worry. We're going to find a safe place to stay," my mom comforts.

"Okay mom," I reply. Eventually, the nurse comes in. She says nothing, but quickly gets to work gently cleaning my wounds. Then, she bandages my head delicately, and hands my mom the papers. As we walk out, I see Jace and he looks mad.

Jace

"What's wrong?" Red asks. They think I'm the one who hurt you! They wouldn't let me see you!

"Nothing, Red," I lie, and she knows. I don't know how, but she gives me this look. They asked her! That's why I couldn't go back! They asked her if I hurt her! Did she say no? I mean....I know I didn't hurt her...but she thought I was Valentine and was confused. Did she maybe say yes? Silently, I walk with Red and Jocelyn out of the hospital and to my car.

"Jace, are you okay?" Red asks as we start driving. I can't talk to her while I drive because I'm not sure I would be able to hold it together.

We arrive at a secluded hotel no one knows about. I park in the parking lot, turn the car off, and avoid her curious eyes. Jocelyn pays for a room and we walk there in awkward silence.

"I've got to go call someone," Jocelyn says, and leaves us standing in the room alone.

"Red....they...they...thought I-" I begin, but I have to bite back tears. I would never hurt her! Just the idea of someone hurting her makes me sick! What if she considers that kiss as me hurting her? What if she's mad?

"I know Jace," Red whispers, and pulls me into a hug. "I told them you didn't hurt me. I'm sorry you're caught up in all of this." I'm not sorry! How can she think I'm not going to be by her side 100%? 'Because she's only ever experienced being used! You pompous ass!' a voice booms. "You really don't have to help us. I...I would understand if you didn't want to be my friend anymore. You can leave and I would understand." Does she really think that lowly of me? And then it hits me like a brick. She thinks that lowly of herself. I hate what that bastard has done to my innocent little red. She thinks she's a burden to me! I wish I could show her how much I need her too.

"Red, there is no need to be sorry. I, for one, am glad they asked you. That just means they were being thorough. I really do want to help you! We've known each other for 12 years. You know I love you, and I care about your wellbeing. You're like a sister to me." I lie. Wow Jace! A sister! You know that's not right! You shouldn't lie to her....but after everything she's been through, she needs a friend to lean on, not a bunch of confusing boyfriend stuff. "I have absolutely no intention of leaving you. By the time this is over, you're going to begging me to leave your side, and I'll be like nope." I pop the p. Red laughs for the first time today, and I let out a chuckle. It feels sooooooo good to laugh with her!

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I've never actually had a concussion, so if it's inaccurate, I'm sorry.

I do not own any of the Mortal Instruments books, materials, etc. All credit belongs to Cassandra Clare.

Author's Note:
I hope you all like it! Please leave comments, votes, and feedback. I'm going to update, when I'm done and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 3/30/18