Roommates & Soulmates

Ch39: Simon's Observations

Simon used to love Valentine's day, but that wasn't the case anymore. Now, he was very single and very bitter about it; this stupid holiday was just another reminder that he'd failed to get the woman he loved to return his feelings. To add insult to injury, Clary had started going out with someone else only hours after they'd broken up. The fact that the guy she'd picked over him was hotter than a Greek god had in no way improved Simon's sulky mood. He was therefore surprised that seeing Jace and Clary making out in the cafeteria actually made him feel worse. How was that even possible?

The weeks since Simon broke up with Clary had consisted mostly of trying to avoid looking at couples, (especially Jace and Clary) hanging out with the few friends he had here that weren't Clary's friends first, (otherwise known as Eric), doing homework and finally going to class. Eric was the only member of his band from back home that had decided to come to this school. Eric hadn't done it for some girl though, because Eric wasn't stupid. He'd actually been interested in a program here.

Simon stared at his phone, wondering who it was that he wanted to talk to. His sister had a boyfriend and was busy with her life at the college closer to home. And calling his mother on Valentine's day was so not going to happen. Simon was pathetic, but he wasn't that pathetic. Eric was out with his girlfriend and Simon suspected even all his friends back home were busy as well. Besides, he hadn't talked to them much since high school grad.

There was no one to call. Simon set his phone aside and pulled his laptop over. He'd been using homework as a distraction and therefore had none left to do. So, Simon decided the time was right for a depressing movie. Kids dying of cancer sounded about right. Simon started the movie titled 'The Fault in Our Stars' and sat back to watch it. However, he couldn't force himself to get more than halfway through it. It was simply too romantic; it hit too close to home. Simon ended up going to bed early, just to get Valentine's day over with. This horrible mood did, however, help him make a decision. After exams, he was going home. He should never have followed Clary here in the first place. His stupid naive hope had gotten him into this mess, but it was time rational thought got him out of it. It had taken a broken heart, but Simon had learned a valuable lesson.

The next morning, Simon tried to put Valentine's day behind him and focus on getting through his classes. This seemed to work, although his life became very monotonous. School work and the mundane aspects of daily life meant that February faded into March. Exams were at the end of April and though time seemed to be slowing down rather and speeding up, Simon could see the light at the end of the tunnel, that was leaving the school in which Clary regularly made out with Jace in the cafeteria.

"Simon!"

He knew that voice. He'd do anything for that voice, but he knew he shouldn't turn to see her. After all, he knew which blonde she'd be sitting next to. Nevertheless, Simon turned and sure enough, there was Clary.

"Come sit with us!" Clary called to him. Simon looked down at the lunch tray he was holding. He was seriously considering skipping lunch when Clary called to him again. He stood frozen holding his tray, torn between going to her and running for the hills. But, with a sigh he started walking toward her. Could one be whipped and yet not in a relationship?

"Hey," Simon mumbled. "You don't have to do this Clary."

"Do what silly?" Clary asked. Jace was sitting beside her while Magnus and his boyfriend sat across from her. Simon couldn't quite remember the boyfriend's name though. "I want to eat lunch with my friend, who I haven't seen in a really long time." The word friend hurt, but not as badly as he'd expected. Simon looked at Jace and found there the normal reaction to Clary's crazy. Jace didn't look happy that Clary wanted her ex to join them.