Stronger Than Heaven

Chapter 4

Clary looked from Jace to the beautiful girl in front of her, then back at Jace. Eyes wide, she tried to get the words to come out but they didn't come. "I..." She shook her head, the shock of what had happened settling in.

"It's ok," Jace said softly, holding her hands in his. "Her name is Isabelle. You're alright." A pained look was etched on his face and he looked down as Isabelle let out a small sob behind him.

"You don't remember-"

"Of course she doesn't remember, Izzy," Jace turned to her, giving her a warning look. Her eyes were brimming with tears and she backed away slightly.

"How did you... how did she?"

"I-I don't know," Clary finally spoke up. "I don't know anything that's going on."

"Jace, how long have you been talking to her?" Isabelle asked, her voice rising. "How long has this-"

"Not long," Jace interrupted. He sighed and stood up, facing his sister. "Look, it's complicated."

Isabelle let out a scoff. "It's complicated? And you didn't tell any of us?"

"What was I supposed to say, Iz? She doesn't remember," Jace snapped. He felt the guilt immediately and turned to Clary who was staring at them both, still in shock. "I'm sorry." He rubbed his face. "I didn't want to hurt anyone. I... I just need some time to figure this out."

Isabelle cocked her head to one side and gave him a look - one that was full of concern and compassion. "Jace..." she sighed, her tone and energy changing. She closed her eyes for a second and opened them again, trying to calm her nerves. "I'll keep this a secret for now. I'll give you some time. But please, be careful."

He nodded. "I know, yes. I will."

"And when the time comes... we need to talk about this." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "As a family?"

He nodded again and looked at his boots that were covered with icor. "Yes, I promise." He looked up at her and gave her a small, hopeful smile. She smiled back, knowing what this meant to him. "Thank you," he whispered when she gave him a hug.

She pulled away and cautiously walked towards Clary. "We're gonna get you up, ok?" she said, reaching her hand out to the girl on the floor who was shaking slightly. She still looked like the same old Clary, except with bangs and she held herself a little differently. Clary hesitated but placed her hand in Isabelle's who helped her up to her feet. "You might not remember me but... we were like sisters once." Her eyes started to fill up with tears again and she blinked them away.

"I'm sorry," Clary said softly. "I wish ... I wish I could remember."

Isabelle nodded and managed a smile. "It's ok. I... I hope we'll get there one day. For now, I'm going to let Jace take you home. Will you be ok?"

"Yes," Clary replied. "A-as long as Jace stays with me."

Isabelle turned to look at him and he crossed his arms, looking down at the floor. His jaw clenched and she could tell he was holding back tears too.

"Don't worry - you'll be safe." Isabelle gave her one last smile before turning around. "I'm going to head back to the Institute. Call me if you need anything."

Jace nodded. "Thank you... again."

With a final glance at Clary, Isabelle took off - seemingly disappearing into the night.

"Do you all... do that?"

Jace looked up at Clary, his eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "Do what?"