Chapter Six
1117 Words
Clary's POV
The doorbell rang and I rushed to go get it, knowing that it was the pizza.
I flung the door open and was greeted with a cute delivery boy. Brown hair, blue eyes, tall. But, I'm not looking for anything.
"Um, hi. Clary Morgenstern?" I nodded.
"That's me."
"Your order, three large pizzas, one pepperoni, one sausage and a half and half." I took the pizzas and handed him the money.
"Thank you."
"You are welcome." He didn't make a move to leave, which made me feel a little awkward. "Would it be a little forward if I asked if you'd go out on a date with me?"
"No, but I don't date. Sorry." He nodded.
"Well, uh, let me know when that changes." He got out a sharpie and wrote his number on the top pizza box. "My name is Jax, by the way."
"Okay. Bye." He smiled and made it back to his car. He waved before driving away.
"Food!" I yelled to everyone next door and walked inside, setting out plates, napkins and glasses of water for everyone at the dining room table.
"Oh, that pizza smells good." Dad walked in, everyone else following close behind him.
"Yep." I sat down and everyone else did too. Then, I noticed Jon and dad's hands. "Go wash your hands. Both of you." They looked at their hands back at me. "No. Go wash your hands." They sighed and did as I said.
"You really are the boss around here." I laughed lightly at Robert's comment.
"I am not, but I am the woman of the house."
"This is true." Dad said as they walked back in and took their seats again. Jon across from me and dad to the right of me, at the head of the table.
"So, I hear you're in college now?" I nodded to Maryse as I grabbed one slice of each and put them on my plate.
"I am. Sophomore year."
"Impressive for a fifteen year old girl." Jace choked on his water and when he finished with his coughing fit, he stared at me incredulously.
"College at fifteen years old?" I nodded, not feeling comfortable enough to talk to him. "Wow."
"She's a smart girl." Jon said, lightly nudging my foot under the table and I did it back to him.
"What is this?" Dad chuckled at the number on the pizza box.
"Pizza guy asked me out."
"What'd you say?"
"That I don't date. But, he gave me his number anyways." Dad's eyes softened.
"You know that you can date, right?" I nodded.
"I know. I just don't want to."
"Give it a chance. You're going to have a boyfriend at some point."
"Not anytime soon."
"I know, but-"
"You know why I don't date." He sighed. "Nothing will change that."
"Okay." The subject eventually changed, but I stayed silent, not really eating much of my food.
Memories of Sebastian and Jocelyn played through my head like I experienced them just yesterday.
"Clare? Did you take your meds yet?" I looked up at Jon.
"No, I'll go do that now." I nodded and made my way to the kitchen, getting my medicines out of the drawer.
The home phone started ringing and I picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hello, I am looking for Clarissa Morgenstern."
"That's me. Who am I speaking with?"
"Patrick Lane from the New York Police Department. I have been told to inform you of a prisoner that was released this morning." My heart dropped.
"W-Who?"
"Sebastian Verlac." Tears sprung to my eyes and fell like a waterfall.
"He got out?"
"Yes, but there is a restraining order in place and he is not allowed within two hundred feet of you. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Goodbye." I didn't answer, just set the phone down on the counter.
"No." I cried, feeling the air being sucked out of my lungs.
I rushed out to the backyard and clasped my hand to my chest, still unable to breathe.
"Clary?" Robert rushed to my side. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?" I didn't reply, just kept gasping for air. "Valentine!" He yelled, making me flinch a little.
"What's wrong?" Dad took Robert's place. "Baby, calm down. Just breathe." He took both of my shaking hands in his. "Breathe, baby girl." I shook my head.
"I can't." I cried and he pulled me to his chest.
"It's okay. Calm down, you're okay." It took a while, but I eventually took deep breaths in and let them out, the tears still flowing down my cheeks. "What happened, baby?"
"Got a call. Said he's out of jail."
"You mean-" I nodded. "Oh, baby. I'm so sorry."
"The guy says that there's a restraining order, but a restraining order won't stop him." I cried and he held me tight.
"He won't touch a hair on your head, Clary. I will make sure of that." I nodded, not believing him. "Come on, let's get you to bed. You need to rest."
"Can I sleep with you tonight?" He smiled and nodded.
"Of course, you can. I'll meet you there soon, I'm going to clean up first."
"Okay." My voice shook.
"Everything will be fine, baby, I promise."
"Yeah." I took in a deep breath. "I'm gonna go get ready for bed." I headed up the stairs and made it to my room, taking off my clothes and putting on panties and one of my dad's t-shirts.
I laid down in his king-sized bed and let the tears fall, not making a sound. Dad came in and changed into his pajama pants, staying shirtless.
"Did you take your medicine?" I shook my head. "Sit up, princess." I sat up and took the pills from him, swallowing them and chasing it with water.
"Thanks." He set the glass on the bedside table and got into bed with me. I laid back down and he wrapped his arm around my waist, my back against his chest. "I'm sorry." I whispered.
"For what, baby?"
"Being so screwed up. You have to deal with a lot with me. Therapist appointments, doctors appointments, medicine. You worry about me all the time. I know you do."
"Sweetheart, none of that is your fault. I love you, no matter how many doctors visits I have to go to. You're my daughter. I will always be here to help you. Always."
"Thank you." He kissed my head and turned out the lights.
"Don't thank me for loving you, princess. Anyone would be lucky to get to know you."
"You always know how to make me feel better."
"Go to sleep, sweetheart."
I did just that. Falling asleep in the comfort of my dad's arms.
- Writer
