Starting Over

Putting My Baby First

Author's Note: Shout out to StickyCarpet. Thank you for your faith in my book.

Clary

"Please, I just need to know of a place I can stay," I explain. What if he doesn't help me? I don't know what to do? I don't want my baby to die......

"You could stay with me," Jace offers. What? No! W....what is he expecting..... "I mean, I have a guest bedroom you could stay in."

"Thank you, but I don't want to bother you or your family," I mutter.

"It's just me, and I'd feel awful knowing you slept in the cold while you were pregnant," Jace seems sincere. I can't! He could hurt me. What if he's just like Sebastian? I can't let my child grow up with that. But, if I say no, I could miscarriage from the cold weather. If shelters keep kicking me out, I'll have to sleep in the cold. This isn't the first one that has. They say they can barely take care of who they have coming in, they can't handle a newborn baby as well. I refuse to abort him or her. Am I really considering staying with this stranger? I mean he seems nice and all, but I don't know him. Plus, what does he expect in return for his hospitality? Everbody always wants something. Living with him gives my baby the best chance of survival. As long as I make sure he never hurts my baby, then I can deal with whatever his terms are. I can't believe I'm about to say this.....

"I'll take you up on your offer, thank you," I reply quietly.

Jace's face lights up. "Great, I'm almost done with my shift here. Do you want to get your stuff and meet me here in an hour." Stuff........yeah, I have to get some stuff for my baby. Maybe I'll be able to get a job somewhere. I'll need formula, diapers, clothes, and other baby things. This is going to cost so much....

"Wait, you know I don't have a job right now. I'll get one, but....well, how much rent do I have to pay?" I ask nervously. What if he asks for a lot. Not a lot to him, but for me.

"You don't have to pay rent," Jace responds. "I figured if you can help me with some stuff, we could call it even." All my hope of this not being like Sebastian fades. 'Some stuff' I have to have a place for my baby though.....

"Okay, that sounds fair," I fake a smile.

An Hour Later

Jace approaches me. "Where is your stuff?" Jace asks confused.

"I don't have anything, except the bag I have on my back," I explain. When running away from abusive ex husband's, one packs light.

"Oh, okay," Jace says. We walk to his car and he drives us to his house.

Twenty Minutes Later

Jace pulls into a driveway and turns the car off. "We're here," Jace announces. He leads me to his front door and unlocks it. Then, he gives me a tour of the house. A kitchen, dining, room, living room, office, and bathroom on the first floor. On the second floor is his room, the guest room, and another bathroom. This seems more like a family house, than a bachelor's house......

"I'm going to take a shower," Jace says. He leaves me in the guest room. I take the time to admire the beautiful room. A queen sized bed with beautiful baby blue sheets and a matching comforter. A small white wooden desk in front of the window. A closet to the left. I'm too dirty to touch anything, so I stand and wait for Jace to finish in the shower. Hopefully, he'll let me take one.

Fifteen Minutes Later

I hear footsteps approach my door. I open it and meet Jace in the hallway. "I, uhhh, if it's not too much trouble, could I please take a quick shower? I only need five minutes tops," I ask nervously.

Jace looks at me thoughtfully. "Of course you can take a shower. Dinner will be done in thirty minutes, so as long as you're done in time for dinner, it really doesn't matter. Take as long as you need," Jace responds. As long as I need? No, the more time I take, the more I owe Jace. The more I owe Jace, the more....things I have to do for him.

"I'll be five minutes," I reply. Then, I go to the bathroom and shower.

Seven Minutes Later

I go back to the guest room. I ate earlier. My baby will be okay. I lay on the bed and try to sleep.

I close my eyes. A while later I hear a knock. "Come in," I reply, sitting up.

"Clary, are you coming down for dinner? I've been waiting," Jace comments.

"I'm not hungry, but thank you," I fake a smile.

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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 do and it'll be random.

Originally posted: 11/20/18