Starting Over

Meeting Maryse

Clary

As we approach the shelter, my anxiety kicks in. I haven't been back here since Jace offered me a place at his home. What if that doctor is here and he won't let me come in? What if Jace's mom doesn't like me? I mean, helping a homeless girl at night is one thing. Being okay with her living with your son, practically leaching off of him, that's something else entirely. "Jace, I need to get a job," I whisper.

"Clary," Jace sighs. "For the one thousandth time. You can't get a job." I nod slowly and keep my head down. I'm a leech and his mom is going to hate me......

Jace opens the door for me and I give him a small smile before entering. "Remember if you aren't feeling up to this at any time, all you have to do is tell me and we'll leave," Jace assures me. I nod. Jace marches straight to an office. His mom's, I'm guessing.... I follow him like a puppy, his hand in mine.

Knock knock

"Come in," a seemingly inviting voice says. Jace opens the door and we step inside. Jace's mom is just how I remember her. She has long black raven hair and a kind smile.

"Is this the girl I've been hearing so much about?" Jace's mom asks excited.

"Yes, this is Clary," Jace confirms.

"The pregnant one?" His mom asks. Crap! She's going to hate me! What if she thinks I'm a bad influence or something? Jace loves his mom. W....what if he kicked me out? I still have the newspaper clipping about the maid job. I'll manage....I'll do it for Bean.

"Yes mom," Jace says.

"The one who wanted a chocolate shake and french fries?" Jace's mom smirks. She's going to think I'm a bad mom. She's going to yell at me. I can't believe he told her. I start twiddling with my fingers nervously.

"Mom, I already said I'm sorry," Jace mutters. What?

"Don't be embarrassed son," Jace's mom giggles. Did I miss something? I must've.....

I start slowly backing up, hoping they don't realize. Jace grabs my arm gently but firmly. "Where are you going?" Jace asks confused.

"Jace, I don't think.....I'm leeching and your mom's going to hate me. Please just let me go," I whisper to him.

"I can assure you that I don't hate you hun," Jace's mom comments. She heard me....

"I don't think we were properly introduced before. My name is Maryse," Maryse says and holds her hand out for me to shake. I give her a firm shake and smile.

"My name is Clary," I introduce.

"Oh, I know. My boys have been telling me all about you," Maryse laughs. I turn to Jace, questioning him.

Jace is blushing slightly and avoiding my eyes. "Jace," I whisper worried. What have Alec and him told her?

"Clary," Maryse looks between Jace and I, "I can assure you, they haven't told me anything too personal. Alec mentioned that you came from a rocky relationship."

"A....and Jace?" I ask hesitantly.

Maryse looks at Jace. "He's just told me about the fun times you've had and about the progress of your baby," Maryse lies. I can tell. Jace must have told her something else, but why wouldn't he want me to know? Was it bad?

"We should go and get into the next shift of volunteers as long as your feeling upto it," Jace comments, pulling me from my thoughts. I nod and follow him.

We go to an open space. I think it's where food is served. "My favorite department is food services," Jace says. "We could do something else if you'd prefer."

"What are you doing here? I told you not to come back you slut," a voice says. I turn slowly. I...it's the doctor.

Jace looks at him and understanding dawns in him. Next thing I know, the noise of a fist colliding with something hard resonates. "Who do you think you are? What's your name you...." Jace takes a deep breath. "What's your name?"

The doctor is holding his jaw. "What's wrong with you, you idiot. Just because your mom is the owner of this shelter doesn't mean you can punch me," the doctor says.

"Name," Jace manages.

"Dr. Barnes," Dr. Barnes says. "I'll be talking to your mother about this you spoilt brat."

"Actually, I think I've heard enough," Maryse comments from the hallway. Crap! Jace is going to get in trouble because of me. I need to fix this....

"I....I can leave," I whisper. Dr. Barnes nods slowly. Jace looks at me and then his mom. Maryse nods to Jace. I start walking toward the exit, when Jace's arm wraps around my waist. I freeze. I...is he mad? Is he going to hurt me? B...but he's Jace. B...but he's holding me. His hand is around my stomach. What if he hurts my baby? Tears well in my eyes, but I try not to let them distract me. "Please, I'll leave," I whisper. I try to wiggle out of Jace's arms, but he holds me firmly, but gently.

"Dr. Barnes, can we talk in my office," Maryse says. Dr. Barnes nods, leaving Jace and I alone. He's going to hurt me. I....can't...breathe.

"Clary, follow my breaths," Jace whispers gently. He lays my hand on his chest.

"I'm...sorry....didn't mean to...cause trouble," I explain.

Jace turns me, so we're facing eachother. "You didn't do anything wrong. My mom is going to take care of that asshole," Jace explains. Wait, he's not mad?

"You aren't mad?" I ask confused.

"Oh, I'm furious, just not at you," Jace responds.

"B...but you grabbed my waist a....and your mom nodded to you," I whisper quietly.

"I grabbed your waist because I didn't know how else to stop you from leaving," Jace explains. "As for my mom nodding, she asked me if I wanted her to handle that....that asshole."

"Jace, Clary, what are you two doing here?" Alec asks, rounding the corner.

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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: 4/9/19