Starting Over

An Unexpected Guest

Clary

The sun hits my eyes and they flutter open. I hear a faint cluster of voices from downstairs. The bed is calling my name, and I don't want to move. Slowly, I sit up and get my swollen feet on the floor. I won't be able to get out of bed soon if I get much bigger. I laugh to myself.

I'm not sure if Jace wants me to go down. I lay back in the bed and look at the ceiling. I don't want to interrupt Jace and his guest. You'd think he would've warned me at least. You know the whole sock on the door technique. But, I guess he wouldn't be able to put a sock on the front door because I wouldn't see it until it was too late.....

I wait for at least an hour, but my stomach is restless. I think Bean wants some fruit and yogurt. Slowly, I walk toward the stairs, ready to scamper back to my room at any moment. As I near the stairs, the voices become audible.

"I don't know what to do," a voice says.

"So you've gone back to the mall, since we took Clary all those months ago. You've seen this Magnus guy a few times. Yesterday, he wrote his number on the back of your receipt," a voice summarizes. "And you've come to ask your brother whose only dating experience ended with a broken heart and failed engagement?" Jace, it must be. So the other voice is Alec or Izzy.... I decide to make my presence known, now that I know it isn't a girl and everyone's going to be clothed.

I step into the kitchen and find Alec and Jace sitting in the breakfast nook. "Sorry to interrupt," I whisper when Jace looks at me.

"You weren't interrupting, if fact, we could use your help," Alec assures me.

"I, uhhhh, I kinda overheard you two," I mutter nervously. Jace isn't going to punish you, he isn't Seb-him. It's okay.

"Clary, you're shaking," Jace whispers.

"I'm sorry," I try.

"This is your house too and you have the right to walk into the kitchen. I figured you were waiting for a while before you came in. Plus, Alec wants your help as well as mine. I told him you were sleeping and he didn't want to wake you," Jace explains. I nod and walk towards Alec.

"Hey Alec," I smile.

"Clary," Alec responds.

"So, you and Magnus," I tease.

Alec sighs. "I don't know. He seems nice and he's definitely....attractive, but....." Alec falters.

"But there's a voice in your head telling you it's not worth it. That he might hurt you," I finish for him. Alec takes a drink of his orange juice, avoiding eye contact and nods slowly.

"Why didn't you tell me that?" Jace asks, seeming almost offended.

"What, tell my brother that I'm scared and weak, it didn't sound appealing to me," Alec comments.

"You're not weak, even if you are scared," Jace counters. "You just have more layers than most onions." Alec chuckles at Jace's comment.

"So.....what do you think I should do?" Alec asks me, suddenly serious.

Why does he want to know what I think? My only relationship was with him and we all know how well that went.....I don't think I'm the one to give him advice. "Alec," I hesitate. "You know my track history isn't ideal......"

"I know, and that's part of the reason I'm asking you. You are more cautious, but you're kind and you give people chances," Alec explains.

Hmmm, okay. Well, Magnus was the guy who helped me find my favorite shirt. Izzy was pushing me and Alec and Jace were just...standing there. He seemed nice. He didn't push my comfort level. He's talked to Alec several times, so he seems interested. "Okay, I'd say you give him a chance. For your sake, I'd suggest something in public and during the day. If you want, Jace and I could go with and sit at the table next to you. As long as your okay with that Jace?" I confirm. Jace nods.

"Okay, I'll do it," Alec replies. "I hope this doesn't end badly." Me too.....

"So now that that's settled, is Guppie or mommy hungry?" Jace asks.

I blush and nod. "I tried to stay out of your way for as long as I could, but I was hungry," I explain quietly, keeping my head down.

Jace's eyes seem sad for a second, but he quickly changes them. Why is he sad? Did I say something to make him sad? "What do you want to eat?" Jace asks.

"I can make it," I reply, trying not to be a nuisance.

Jace shakes his head. "What do you want to eat?" Jace echoes.

"Some fruit and yogurt please," I answer. Jace nods and opens the fridge. I sit next to Alec at the breakfast nook.

"If you want to talk, I'm here Alec. With or without Jace. I know it's not always something you want to talk about with anyone, even family. Just know I'm here and I've been where you've been, so I won't judge you," I whisper.

"I know and same for you," Alec smiles genuinly.

"Blue berries, pomegranate, and vanilla yogurt," Jace says as he hands me the bowl.

"Why blue berries and pomegranates?" Alec asks curiously.

"Berries have vitamin K, calcium, folate, iron, protein, and fiber. Pomegranates have vitamin C, healthy carbohydrates, antioxidants, and fiber. All of those are important for pregnant women to eat," Jace explains.

"And how do you know this?" Alec smirks. What is he upto?

"I may have, uhhh, read a few pregnancy books," Jace admits quietly and blushes deeply. Awww, he'd be such good dad. But he isn't. He isn't Beans dad, and you should to making him take on that responsibility. He shouldn't have to make your food or hold your hair when you throw up. I take a deep breath.

"Clary," Jace gently calls.

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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: 1/3/19