Beta read Echo of the Heather's Song!
I've decided to re-write the whole story with the help of a beta reader, I just wasn't happy with what I had so far, but hopefully it's a better story now!
Information about the character changes:
I've made some character's older and younger etc.
Clary, Isabelle, Simon, Maureen, Andrew-23 years old
Jace, Alec, Magnus, Aline, Helen-25 years old
Max is 13 years old
*Max Lightwood will be in the story!* I loved Max and I'm gutted he was killed!
Clary and Jace were high school sweethearts that had it all until tragedy struck. When Clary turned away from her family in New York, travelling to Los Angeles to follow her dreams, she moved on with her life without Jace. Now, five years later, with her family in grave danger, Clary returns to her old home in New York. What will happen when Clary's past meets her future? AH. CXJ!
Crime/Romance story! All human!
Clary's Pov:
I quickly hurried up the path of the Bane manor, my suitcase dragging behind me. Knocking frantically on the door, Magnus swung open the door wide and noticed my distort appearance.
"Clary-"said Magnus.
"It's time Magnus, can you drive me to the airport?"I asked, my cheeks stained with tears. Magnus eyes widened and quickly scrambled around inside for his coat and car keys. Magnus knew exactly what I meant and was quick on his feet to hurry.
"Mom! I'm going out, I'll be back later!" called Magnus.
"Okay, don't be out too late!" Magnus's mother yelled back.
Magnus took my suitcase off me, walking me to his car and loading it into the trunk while I sat down in the passenger seat. Magnus quickly sat down in the driver's seat and started up the engine. The drive to the airport didn't take too long, before I knew it Magnus and I were at the boarding gate entrances, waiting for my gate number to be called.
"Attention, all passengers for Los Angeles Airways flight number LA91257 departing from Brooklyn, please proceed to gate number 12."
Magnus and I walked down to gate number 12. He stayed with me until it was boarding times and asked me to call him as soon as my plane lands. I told him I would, and not to worry about me too much. I also promised I would on my feet in no time.
Sitting down on my plane window seat, I peered out the window and took one last look at Brooklyn-my home, but it doesn't feel like home anymore. I felt tears forming in my eyes. I would miss everyone definitely, but Brooklyn isn't healthy for me anymore. I need to start looking after myself now I have another life to consider.
"Attention, all passengers for Los Angeles Airways flight number LA91257 departing from Brooklyn, this is your captain speaking. Please fasten your belts as we prepare for take off, thank you." I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes.
Goodbye Brooklyn, my friends, my parents and Jace.
Hello Los Angeles and the start of my new life.
Five years later:
"Are you done yet, babe?"Sebastian shouted from downstairs, as I put the finishing touches on my hair.
I was wearing a black-lace full sleeved body con dress that fell to mid-thigh, which Sebastian brought me, with a pair of matching custom made Gucci shoes that Sebastian also bought me for my twenty-third birthday.
"Yes, I'm coming down now!" I yelled back, quickly grabbing my black diamond covered clutch as I exited the room.
Sebastian Verlac, my long-term boyfriend, was dressed smartly in a white button up shirt, the first three buttons undone to show off his smooth muscled chest. His washed jeans were nicely complemented by a pair of-black dress shoes and a golden Rolex watch gleaming proudly on his wrist.
He was such charming person with a caring heart, and most importantly he makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful girl on the planet.
"Wow, Clary. You look beautiful,"Sebastian complimented earnestly with a warm smile on his face once I reached the bottom of the white marble spiral staircase, and I blushed deeply in response.
"Thank you. You look incredible. " I replied while cheeks darken more.
He chuckled and offered me his arm, which I gladly took.
"Where are we going for tonight?" I asked curiously, getting into the car. He gave me a huge grin.
"That, love, is a surprise." I pouted, turning my doe eyes on him.
"No, no, no. Don't even try the puppy dog eyes. I just want to have one amazing surprise for you, and I promise no more surprises afterwards, okay?" Sebastian said.
Love is shining brightly in his eyes, making me acquiesce as I leaned over and pecked his lips lightly.
I felt butterflies in my stomach.
With that, we drove off from our multi-million dollar estate.
Sebastian drove us downtown further into the outskirts of LA for our four year anniversary celebration at a new restaurant that just opened up called 'Fallen Angels' We had chosen it because of our friend. Maureen Brown owned it. In fact, she had opened many restaurants around the world.
Sebastian parked the car and he jumped out of his side, hurrying to open my door and offer his arm for me gallantly as I stepped out the door. We made sure to hurry before any press came sniffing around the restaurant.
"Hello, and welcome to Fallen Angels. Do you have a reservation?" asked the short, brown-eyed woman behind the desk.
"I made reservations for two under Verlac. Over in the back with the beach view,"
"Of course, Mr Verlac. And, I must say, I'm quite a big fan of you and your beautiful girlfriends' movies and music."
I chuckled and smiled sweetly at her and her adorable rambling.
"Oh, how rude of me. My name is Sarah, please follow me to your table".
Sarah led us over to the back of the restaurant overlooking the beautiful sea I smiled at the view. Sebastian pulled out a white cushioned chair for me and then moved to sit across from me. Sarah left to find our waiter.
The outside wasn't very crowded compared to the inside, but there were a few families enjoying dinner together chatting among themselves. The sun was just setting and we could see the orange-purple glow from where we sat. A light breeze ruffled my red hair and Sebastian looked over me in such a tender way that it completed the perfect atmosphere.
"God, you're so beautiful." He said seriously.
"Thank you. Four years today… Can you believe it? It feels like only yesterday we started dating." I said, a huge grin on my face as he sighed happily, thinking about when we first met.
"Yes, four, long, happy years with my Clare-bear. I wouldn't give up a single laugh, a single fight, a single, or a single anything in a matter."
"It's so gorgeous out here – thank you for the surprise, Sebastian. You were right; I do love it."
Sebastian leaned over and pecked my lips.
"Only the best for you, my love. " I smiled at how sweet he was.
"Wow, Maureen, really outdid herself this time, didn't she?"
"Yes, she did. I'm glad she managed to buy a location with a beach view; it's very relaxing, and such a beautiful sight to look at while over dinner, wouldn't you agree babe?" asked Sebastian, and I nodded.
"Remind me to phone her and congratulate her later." I said, somewhat absently.
"Of course. Now, what would you like to order, babe?" asked Sebastian.
"I would like the red wine, and hmm…" I studied the food menu carefully. "I Don't know. Everything sounds so good here. What you having?" I asked curiously.
"Typical Clare-bear." He said, his tone fond. "I think I'll have red wine along with you. And the 3 course Spanish dishes."
"That sounds so good; I might have the same as you."
"Nice choice" smirked Sebastian.
I blushed and nodded.
"Hello, my name is Elias and I will be your waiter tonight. What can I get you two?" asked Elias
"Hello, we would like a bottle of red wine and two of the 3 course Spanish dishes, please" Sebastian ordered for us.
"And for dessert?"
"We'll have the special dessert that Maureen arranged for us," stated Sebastian.
"Oh yes, I apologize, I forgot." Elias admitted shyly.
"It's alright. But is it ready?" asked Sebastian nervously, and I gave him a curious look.
"Yes, sir it's all ready for later," Elias stated.
"Good, good. Thank you, Elias, and please let Maureen know I said thank you also."
With that Elias headed inside to place our order, and Sebastian then turns back to face me with a nervous glint in his eyes in his eyes.
I gave him a questioning look.
"You okay, sweetheart?" I asked, and he swallowed visibly.
"Yes, of course. Why I wouldn't be?" He asked, glancing around.
"It just seems like you're nervous about something…"
"No, I'm fine babe" he assured me, patting my hand with his over the table.
After Elias collected mine and Sebastian's empty dishes, I noticed that Sebastian's nervousness seemed to spike. I wanted to ask what was bothering him, but I could see that it wasn't something I was to know about just yet. Then, suddenly, I heard somebody tapping a microphone a few times to catch everyone's attention. I turned around to face the front to find my best friend, Tessa Gray standing up on stage.
"Hello, my name is Tessa Gray I'm the best friend and backup singer of Clary Fray. I would like to sing a song for her and her long-term boyfriend. Sebastian Verlac on their fourth anniversary."
The music started up, and Tessa began to sing,
Closed off from love, I didn't need the pain.
Once or twice was enough and it was all in vain.
Time starts to pass, before you know it you're frozen.
Her voice was gorgeous. I mused. And the song was really incredible; it fits her range perfectly and accented the best qualities of her voice.
But something happened for the very first time with you.
My heart melted to the ground, found something true,
And everyone's looking 'round, thinking I'm going crazy.
But I don't care what they say, I'm in love with you.
[Leona Lewis- Bleeding love]
She went through the song, and toward the end everyone was up and swaying.
Tears started to cloud my vision as I stood up and clapped for my best friend on stage. I turned around to gush about Tessa with Sebastian, but to my surprise, I found him kneeling on the floor on one knee with a black velvet box in his hand, I brought up my right palm to cover my mouth.
"Clary Fray, I have known you five years now and have had the pleasure of having your love for four years of those amazing years. I've been at your side since the start of our careers started to take off, and at the time I couldn't think of a better person to share the journey of fame with. Over time, our love has only grown. I know right now that you are the woman I'm meant to be with for the rest of my life. I never want to know what it's like to live without you. I never want to wake up without you in bed beside me. So, will you, Clarissa Adele Fairchild-Fray, do me the incredible honor of being my wife?" asked Sebastian, kneeling and looking at me with such love and sincerity that I was breathless for a moment.
"Yes!" I exclaimed immediately, with tears streaming down my face.
Sebastian leaped up, a large grin covering his face, and placed the 18 carat princess cut diamond on my finger. He laughed, relieved, and picked me up, spinning me around a few time before placing me back down on the ground again and kissing me hard on the lips.
Everyone in the restaurant was on their feet, cheering and clapping. Sebastian and I broke the kiss to turn to everyone else.
"Finally!" Maureen screamed. "I didn't know how much longer I'd have to wait for him to grow a pair and pop the question."
"Congratulations, you guys. You two are perfect together." Andrew Blackthorn said, clapping Sebastian on the back.
"I'm so happy for you both!" gushed Tessa, with tears of her own streaming down her face.
"Thank you." we said in unison, and then we both chuckled.
"So this was why you were so nervous." I realized aloud.
"Guilty."
"Now for time for the party!" Maureen exclaimed.
We arrived back our mansion and the party was already in full swing, but I quickly hurried up the staircase to our bedroom dragging Sebastian along with me. I slammed the door shut and crushed my lips upon his. He immediately responded, wrapping his arms around my waist while I wrapped mine around his neck. I continued to show him happy he made me feel inside, Sebastian didn't hold back either on showing his affection towards me. I pulled away from the kiss, but continued to stay in his embrace.
"I love you Sebastian, I can't wait to be your wife and have kids with you, you're so good with Scarlett," I said.
Sebastian grinned and pecked my lips.
"Me too,"he cupped my cheek. "and Scarlett is perfect because she's half of you." whispered Sebastian.
Sebastian then dragged me downstairs to the party, everyone at the party congratulated us and wanted a picture taken with us. The rest of the night we partied the night away.
I felt bad for our maids. The party of the year was hosted at our place by Andrew last night, while Sebastian and I lounged about the pool.
"Babe?" Sebastian asked while tied the strings of my black bikini together around my neck.
"What's up?" I asked as he sat down beside me on the sun lounges with a can of beer in his hand with his dark shades on and red swimming trunks.
"The press has made an official announcement about our engagement today. Everybody is talking about it over social media. A lot of other celebrities have congratulated us too." Sebastian said excitedly.
"I knew it wouldn't be long before the rest of the world found out." I grinned.
'I love Sebastian more than anything. He's my light at the end of the tunnel.'
Then my just iPhone started ringing.
"Hey, Seb, could you pass me my phone?" I asked.
He handed it to me and my eyes widened in shock at seeing the caller ID.
"Mom?" I asked into the phone.
"Clary, you need to come home."Said Mom somberly.
"What's wrong?" I asked, frowning.
It didn't sound good. I haven't heard her voice some somber since I left New York.
"There has been an accident, Clary. You really need to come back."
"I'm on my way," I said, hanging up in a rush. I didn't even have to think about it. If one of my friends from my previous life needed me I had to help them.
"What's wrong?" Asked Sebastian.
"That was my Mom. She said there's been an accident and I'm needed at home." I said, regretfully.
"Okay, you go get changed and get your things packed. I'll call the airport and arrange a flight for you." he said, immediately kicking into action to help me.
That was what I loved about Sebastian. I quickly changed into a pair of skinny jeans with comfortable brown ankle boots, and a white V-neck t-shirt. I tucked a black leather jacket and a black chunky scarf over the outfit.
On my way down, I grabbed a large, black hang bag all ready equipped with my phone and charger, passports, money, and ID. Sebastian and I were always needed to travel on short notice, working the way we do. I grabbed my suitcase, throwing some clothes on, and headed outside to where Sebastian was waiting in the car.
"Do you want me to come with?" he asked as we pulled out.
"No, it's okay. I shouldn't be too long anyway."
"Okay, but if you need me, remember that I'm only a phone call away."
"I know" I replied with a warm smile.
Sebastian really was a godsend. He was sweet and devoted, and I knew I'd never be alone in anything that I did for the rest of my life-he would be right there beside me.
Twenty minutes later, we had arrived at the airport, and both jumped out of the car running towards the private jet my friends and I shared. Thankfully, they hadn't needed to go anywhere soon. The crew members loaded my suitcase on board while I said my goodbyes to Sebastian.
"See you soon, love. Don't throw too many parties while I'm away…I wouldn't want to miss a famous Verlac party." I joked.
"I promise I won't. Besides, Verlac-Fray parties are way better than Verlac parties. But I hear they'll soon be renamed to Verlac 2." He smirked, waggling his eyebrows at me, sexily.
Then he turned more serious,"I'm sorry that I have to work tomorrow, and I can't come with you, but if you need anything at all, I will drop everything to come to see you. You know that, right?" I nodded and leaned forward to kiss him goodbye.
"I do." I said.
"I can't wait to hear you say that in a different context, Mrs. Verlac." He shouted behind me, and I was laughing happily as I got on the plane, dreaming of white dresses, tiered cakes, and dark eyed grooms.
I allowed myself to think of the good in my life for now, because I was headed straight to the last place I ever wanted to go back to.
Brooklyn, New York City
What did you guys think!?
