I thought maybe there was a power cut. I switched on my torch and went to check the circuit breaker. I was on my way when I heard a creak in the kitchen.

Clary-"Mom, Dad are u in the kitchen?"

Another creak. But no response. Could it be an intruder?

I picked up my saucepan and started walking towards the kitchen carefully not to make any sound.

I opened the kitchen door. And I saw a lit candle in the middle of the room.

It was strange. Who would use candles in this era?

Suddenly the lights came back and there they all were Jace,Izzy,Simon,Alec,Maureen,Magnus,My mom and dad and my brother.

SURPRISE!

I was speechless. For the past few years I was celebrating my birthday alone. But today my whole family was here with me along with my friends.

Clary-"WHAT ON EARTH-"

Jocelyn and Valentine-"Happy birthday sweetie"

Clary-"Thank you mom and dad.

Jon-"HAPPY B'DAY SISSSSSS...I LOVE YOU!"

I hugged him. He nearly choked me.

Izzy, Simon, Alec and Maureen-"Happy birthday girl...we love you!"

Clary-"Thanks guys"

Magnus-"Happy birthday biscuit."

Clary-"Thank you Magnus."

Izzy-"Clary we all have some work to do...we'll meet you in the living room."

So that left only me and Jace. Fantastic Izzy.

Jace-"Happy birthday Clare."

Clary-"You do not get to call me that anymore."

Jace-"Clary just listen to me please-"

Clary-"I am done listening. First you cheat on me and then you stood me up. Am I just another one of your make out girls?"

Jace-"You are not. Now please just stop talking for once and listen to me because I owe you an explanation."

Clary-"Fine say what you want to..."

Jace sighed. And then he looked into my eyes. I always got lost in them. They were so deep and mesmerizing that I just wanted to kiss him.

Jace-"Can we take a walk first?"

Clary-"I am not going anywhere with you."

Jace-"Lets sit in the backyard then."

Clary-"Ohh just say it."

Jace-"Come to the backyard first."

We went to the backyard. It was lit up with sat on the bench.

Clary-"I am listening."

Jace-"At first I was pretending to like you Clary and yes I thought I would make you one of my make out girls but-"

Clary-"Nice to hear that...I would like to go now."

Jace-"NO! Just listen to me then hate me forever. But first listen to me."

Clary-"AND DO WHAT? YOU REALLY THINK YOU ARE DOING ME A FAVOR BY TELLING ME ALL THIS BUT I CAN'T DO IT OK? I JUST-"

Jace-"CLARY SHUT UP AND LISTEN. NOTHING HAPPENED BETWEEN ME AND KAELIE THAT NIGHT. SHE CAME UP TO ME AND CONFESSED HER FEELINGS FOR ME. THEN WITHOUT GIVING ME A CHANCE SHE WAS ALL OVER ME AND STARTED KISSING ME. THAT'S WHEN SIMON TOOK THE PICTURE OF US KISSING. ITS NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE."

Clary-"So what about me being you make out girl?"

Jace-"After kissing Kaelie I realized that I had actual feelings for you. That I was in...in love with you. I never felt this way about anyone. So day after tomorrow I heard your conversation with your mom. So I decided to sort out my feelings. That's why I stood you up yesterday evening. I am sorry about everything Clary. You have all the right to stay mad at me. I would understand if you dont like me the same way. But its true...I am in love with you. Clary please say something."

I was in shock.

Clary-"I uhh...It's rude to eavesdrop."

Jace burst out laughing.

Jace-"What? That's all you could say?"

Clary-"I dont know how to answer that...its not everyday that a boy says I love you to me."

Jace-"Hmmmm I see...Anyway do u still feel the same way about me or do you still hate me?"

Clary-"Well I am definitely mad at you but I missed you."

Jace-"So that means...-"

Clary-"How do I know you are telling the truth this time?"

Jace-"Want me to prove it to you?"

Clary-"How?"

He put his hands on my waist and pulled me closer. He smelt like candy and puppy dogs. My heart started pounding out of my chest. He touched his lips behind my neck. I shivered. His touch felt familiar. My hands were resting on his chest. He trailed kisses across my eyes and my nose. He nuzzled against my jaw.

His nose was cold but his touch was warm. Finally his lips met mine. He tasted like mint. His tongue ran along my lower lip. We kissed passionately under the open sky. His hands run across my spine. I wanted him. All of him.

My heart fluttered. It was a perfect feeling. I wish this would continue forever. My hands reached the hem of his t shirt. He stopped me midway. I looked at him.

Jace-"Clare we are in your backyard. Do you really want me to undress here?"

Clary-"Sorry I lost control. We should go in now. They must be wondering where we are."

Jace-"Before going just tell me you love me."

Clary-"Love is a strong word Jace. I cannot say it right now but I can assure you that you won't regret dating me. Was that satisfactory?"

Jace-"More than satisfactory. Happy Birthday baby."

Clary-"Thank you."

We went inside hand in hand. This time we were sure that they'd work this out.

###

Never have I seen such a brilliant chemistry between two people. They look like fire and ice. Peanut butter and Jelly. Jace and Clary...CLACE FOREVER