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CH 2
"Clary, we have a situation," whispered Maia, as I came back to our booth.
"Okay, what's going on?" I ask, a little confused.
"Clary, this is Magnus. He would like to rush for our sorority," Tess explained, as I made my way behind the table for our sign ups.
I looked at the boy in front of me, in a very peculiar manner. I didn't know what to make of him, he was an absolute hunk. He was probably about 6 foot tall, maybe a few inches to spare, and gorgeous. He had on a pair of well fitting Khaki pants, with a navy button down that was folded at the elbows and a pair of tan boat shoes. He looked as if he just walked off of a photo shoot for a yacht club. With his beautiful yellow green eyes, to his full plush lips, to his epicanthic folds in his eyes, not to mention he looks covered in bronzer, making his caramel skin shine; he was absolutely beautiful.
"Hi, my name is Clarissa, but you can call me Clary. I hear you're interested in rushing for IZI, what interests you?" I ask as I approach him.
"Well, my name is Magnus Bane. I have always wanted to be part of a sister hood. You see, Clary, I don't exactly swing your way, but would appreciate acceptance where I can find it," he says as he bows to me. "I would love to have the opportunity to share memories with those I see fit," he adds as-matter-of-factly.
"Well, Magnus is it?" he nods. "Our sorority consists of sisters; females," I reply, still interested in the beautiful creature before me.
"I understand, but if you could make an exception, it would greatly be appreciated. Plus, imagine you in a house full of boys whose bones you want to jump. It would be entirely inappropriate for me to pledge in an all male house," he replies, not giving up.
"Well, if you are truly interested in IZI, I don't see a problem in rushing; although, we do need to run the app past our Dean. If she is okay with this, than I will be as well. Is that going to be a problem?"
"Not at all. I look forward to being a part of your sister hood!"
I hand Magnus the required paperwork, unbiased; and he took it. We've never had a male actually apply for our sorority, but I have read the rule book more than enough. All it mentions, is that IZI creates a sister hood beyond blood, but it does not refute males being a part of our charter. As president, I have no right to refuse an eligible applicant, but I do reserve the right to choose not to extend an invitation, so we'll just have to see what the house vote on when that time comes.
"Hello Clarissa, how is everything going here?" Now even though we all like our dean, she can still be intimidating. I mean, she's supposed to be I guess, but that doesn't mean it doesn't make me nervous to be within a yard of her.
"It's going well Dean Amatis. We're actually just about done for the day," I smile at her, hoping she decides to leave.
"That's wonderful darling. I have seen a lot of potential pledges, and I just know you will choose wisely!"
"Speaking of potential pledges," Tess starts. "We have a gentleman who would like to pledge for IZI."
"Are you considering?"
"Consideration aside, I have read our rule book and know it like the back of my hand, and it doesn't precisely prohibit a 'male' from signing up," I explain to her.
"Hmmm, I don't know if I'd like that. A boy in a house full of women, this will have to be discussed after I've met him."
"Well you're in luck Dean Amatis, I'm right here," Magnus says cheerily, as he turns around from a conversation he was having with another potential pledge. I didn't even realize he was standing there, this was so not something I wanted to deal with now. "The name's Magnus Bane, it is a pleasure to meet you," he says bowing his head to her.
"Oh, why Mr. Bane, the pleasure is all mine," she says taking him in. "Are you related to-"
"Denarius Bane?" he asks, and she nods. "He would be my grandfather, and CEO of Bane Incorporated."
Wow, that made an impression. Our dean looked absolutely flabbergasted, in a good way. Apparently she realizes she may not be acting very professional at this moment, and quickly clears her throat and straightens her posture.
"Mr. Bane, may I ask why you are interested in pledging for the sorority IZI?"
"Well besides it being one of the top Charters anyone could be a part of, my mother just so happened to be in IZI when she was a young woman."
"I understand those reasonable reasons, but why not a male charter? Why the females? I mean, well," whoa, was our dean conflicted? That's a sight I never thought I'd see.
"Oh, I see. Because I'm a boy. Well would it disturb you that I happen to be attracted to the male population, and to be in a house full of hot, sexy-"
"Oh my, okay then. Well, before we go any further on that topic, if it is within guidelines, you may rush for any sorority that you wish."
"Thank you, I only plan on one! And I'm very excited to become a potential pledge."
"Under the circumstances that you are a pledge, I would appreciate Clary to take you under her wing as her little sister. Does anyone object?" she asks with a look on her face that screams 'GET ME OUT OF HERE NOW.'
"Of course I would. Thank you so much for the opportunity Dean Amatis."
With a quick nod, she turns and walks away. Instead of heading to other booths, I notice she makes her way back toward her office. Crap, what about Issy? I turn to look back towards Alec's booth but he was gone.
"Well, I'll see you ladies around! I cannot wait! And Clary, thank you," he is just so sincere and polite that I'm pretty excited to see where this goes. "I promise to make you a proud big sister." He winks before he turns and leaves.
"This is going to be an INTERESTING year girls," I say as I watch him strut away. He didn't not seem like he would have been gay, he looked so masculine when you looked past the sparkles, and like I mentioned before, could easily be a model. Well, you don't judge a book by its cover, even if the cover makes you blush a little.
"Is there something you aren't telling us?" Maia asks accusingly. Crap, do I tell them about Alec's brother? No. I can't. Can I? They always know when I am hiding something, and I don't want to start the year out keeping things from them, even though I've been keeping mine and Alec's relationship from them for 3 years.
"Well, the thing is, um, I had sort of promised Alec I'd be Issy's big sister if she became a pledge," I say, hoping that they would think that was my only problem.
"Well, that's not really a problem," Tess says to me. "I could do it."
"Really? Great, that'd be great." Crap, I answered too fast. "Hey girls, I told Alec I'd meet him later, do you mind if I go home and get ready?"
"Yeah, we're about done for the day. We'll take care of the booth clean up, you've been doing it all week," Maia replies not noticing my hastiness. Tess gives me a look that says she knows something's up, but she doesn't pry.
"You go ahead Clary," she says smiling. "Oh hey, by the way, are you still going to hold an open mic night tomorrow for a new male singer? Charles called me to confirm this morning.."
"I completely forgot!"
"I know, I took care of everything. The Alphas promised to get their newbie's to sign up, too. So, maybe you should practice with the band tonight while you're over at Alec's."
"I owe you Tess! See you later!"
"Bye!" she and Maia say in unison.
Dag-nammit! Remember I mentioned being in a band, well the some of the Alphas are my band mates. Our male lead singer, Eric, graduated last year, and moved all the way across the country. Now, we aren't the type of band that is looking for fame, fortune, or record deals. We do it for the fun of the parties, and just plain enjoying ourselves, so when a member graduates, we promote from within, which consists of open Mic night for singers within each house, to show their potential, and of course we perform and party throughout the night as well. As much as I'd love to be the famous stand-alone singer (not really), I need a male up on stage with me, one, for duets, and two, so I can get a break. Plus, we like to mix it up a bit, with all boy songs and all girl songs. We use a DJ at some of our parties, but we still perform as well. There are even nights when the owner of our favorite off campus bar, O'Malley's, requests for us to perform. That is the Charlie that called Tess this morning; he always offers to pay us, but we refuse. So what he does do is let us use his place for certain things like open mic night, and he also gives us free drinks whenever we're there, which I can honestly say that I don't mind. Now, I have to sit through my Thursday night rehearsing with the guys and deciding what songs we will allow their guys to perform, and I get to spend my Friday night possibly going deaf from those who shouldn't be up there. Then Saturday starts the process of our pledges, which should be interesting considering our houses newest pledge request.
First, we have to go through the applications and choose about two dozen girls to offer an invitation to, then, if said invitations are accepted, then our new members become a pledge. During our pledge process, our pledges learn about our organization, its history and its values. We have mandated study times, and weekly meetings for events on and off campus. Of course, you don't just become a member after the first 30 days of all that, oh no, we give our pledges an exam on what they've learned throughout that month. Among passing the exam, our rushees are given the opportunity to fully commit to pledging IZI, and moving into the house. Then comes the hazing, which isn't vile or obscene, whatsoever. This year we're requiring our pledges to ask a current member of the Alphas to the sweetheart formal, and their pledges have to ask some of us. Before we'd have them ask each other, but I wanted to spice it up a bit. We have strict rules about flirting or messing with our pledges, although. There is absolutely no sexual content of any sort permitted on either party, such behavior is looked down upon on all those involved, and resorts to expulsion. Now don't get me wrong, we aren't biased to blossoming relationships, but only if the other party consents. The 'sexual content' has to be completely and fully mutual. There will be no taking advantage of a pledge or any other member of either charter, whatsoever. That being said, I'm going to have a busy busy next few weeks ahead of me.
Making it back to the house, I change out of my IZI shirt and shorts, into a pair of yoga pants, and a sports bra. I'm only going to Alec's, plus band rehearsal gets really hot, and I can't take my shirt off if I'm wearing a regular lacey bra, so the only thing to do is wear a sports bra. It's not like I don't wear that during a workout or dance practice, so get over it. Plus if it makes you happy, I put a zip up sweater over it for the time being, so I don't look so desperate! I can't help but realize how nervous I am feeling as I leave my house and head to Alec's, and I know exactly why…..Jace will be there!
When I get there I don't bother knocking, the Alphas and IZI's are pretty close friends with each other.
"Hey Clary, Alec's upstairs!"
"Thanks Simon! Would you mind getting the band together, we have to rehearse for open mic tomorrow…."
"We've actually been ready, we were just waiting on you."
"Oh, well let me put my bag upstairs, and I'll be right back…."
"No prob!"
I head upstairs to Alec's room and when I open the door, I begin to wish I had knocked this time.
"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry!" I slap my hands over my eyes.
"What the-"
"I really didn't mean to-I was looking for Alec-I was told he was –I assumed he'd be-jeez-I'll just-"
"Clary, it's fine. I'm just naked, well I was. You can open your eyes," he says through laughter. "Have you never seen a naked guy or what?"
"That-that, I uh, where's Alec?"
"He's in the shower. He said you were coming by for a rehearsal or something so he wanted to get ready."
"Right, speaking of the rehearsal, I just came up here to leave my bag. I better get going, will you tell him I'm here?"
"Sure," he says staring at me. Oh wow, I feel dizzy. Is the heater on? What the hell is going on? I realize we're standing there staring at each other so I turn to leave. "Clary?" Gosh I love the sound of my name as he says it.
"Yeah?" I respond with my hand on the door knob, not turning around.
"Alec really is a lucky guy, pictures don't do you justice."
"Um, thanks Jace." I shut the door using more force than I should and run down to the garage for rehearsal.
"Ow," Simon yells as I slap him upside his head. "What did I do?"
"You could have told me Alec wasn't alone!" I whisper-yelled at him.
"Uh-Oh…" he looks at me a little confused.
"Forget it Lewis. Let's get started."
I grab my guitar and tune it, then we rock paper scissors for what song we're going to cover. It's only fair that we all get to pick. Sebastian, our drummer won, and chose Burning up from Just Surrender. They all put on their headset microphones and I move to stand in front of mine, and we begin. I get lost in the song and when my guitar solo comes up I finally open my eyes, and of course the whole frat house and a few people passing by are giving us an audience. I usually don't get shy, and actually tune faces out as I sing, but of course Jace has to be RIGHT FREAKIN THERE! The song is done, and one of the Alphas in the crowd yells for me to go acoustic. I like to sing, don't get me wrong, but I like having the noise of the band behind me.
"We are only rehearsing for open mic tomorrow, not for an actual performance," I say to the unknown shouter.
"We should make them go solo onstage too!" Jace says surprising me.
"You aren't even a brother yet. Sorry, but you have no say," I reply trying to keep my goose bumps from making an escape.
"Hey, the kid has potential, plus we've already gave him a bid," Jordan said, he's Maia's boyfriend, and the alphas VP, so I couldn't argue too much with him; even if my argument was for a childish reason, like getting butterflies from my boyfriends brother.
"I mean hey, if you're scared to sing alone, I completely understand!" Jace said biting his bottom lip, and I couldn't tell if my blush was because of that or because I was getting irritated. The little sh*t, does he know what he's doing to me right now?
"Watch it pledge, that's our president's, YOUR president's queen right there. Not to mention, the president of our campus's hottest girls!" shouted Will. He was the secretary of the Alpha's and also dating my bestie Tess.
Jace, either ignoring the comment or not caring about what Will's warning, just stood there staring me down. He was challenging me, the little punk had the nerve to challenge me!
"Fine, what do you suggest Jace? The list of our music is right there. All acoustics are on page 8," I tell him with a little more attitude than I needed to. "Pick a song pledge." He opens our music book as I switch out my electric guitar for my acoustic one.
"How about So Much, by the Spill Canvas?"
"Up to you, I'm not biased…."
"Then let's get started," he says smiling at me.
I stand at the mic and start singing softly. Of course it's a guy's song, so I change a few lyrics as I'm going.
Getting to the end, I steal a glance at Jace, and I can't take my eyes off of him. When the song's over, he's still staring at me, but I finally find the strength to turn away.
"You guys started without me here?" Alec says walking into the garage. He walks straight to me, ignoring everyone else in the room and picks me up while hugging me. When he sets me down, he plants a kiss on my lips, actually more of a peck.
"Oh come on! We don't want this kind of show!" Jordan says, and the entire group bursts into laughter.
"Watch it bud, that's my sister in law you're talking to," Issy says appearing out of nowhere. "But I have to agree, I came for a show, so let's get to it!" She makes her way over to stand near Jace, who looks a little upset as he watches Alec and me. I look around at the guys and realize they aren't even paying attention to us anymore, but they're all staring at Issy.
"Boys, you are not fish, close your mouths!" I tell them slowly, in case their minds are fuddled by her hotness. That brought around another round of laughter, and we got back to rehearsing. We ended it with about 6 songs for the singers to choose from, 2 being acoustic as Jace suggested, and closed out our night with Bartender by Lady Antebellum.
"Oh my gosh, Clary, you are amazing!" Issy exclaims as the guys begin to pack up the instruments.
"Thank you, but I'm really not that great without these guys."
"Oh please I heard your acoustic from down the street and it was amazing! Wasn't she amazing Jace?" I didn't even realize he was still here, everyone else had gone back inside the house, I was sure he followed the crowd.
"She was pretty amazing," he says looking right at me. Why was he doing this? Does he know how he's making me feel?
"Thank you guys really. Oh, how rude of me, Issy this is Simon, he's on bass, that's Sebastian, he's our drummer, and on the keyboard over here is Meliorn. Guys this is Isabelle, Alec's sister," they all make their way to her and shake her hand, when someone (and by someone, I mean Jace) clears his throat. "Oh and this is Jace, Alec's brother."
"Clary, I hate to ask, but would you mind if I bunked with you for a couple days? There isn't an available dorm, and I don't want to stay in the same room as my brothers."
"Of course, just have the girls show you to my room and put your stuff wherever you want. I'm going to be here for a while. I have to talk to Alec and go over a few things with the band. But please, make yourself at home."
"I wouldn't tell her that," Jace says laughing.
"Shut it Jace. And thanks so much Clary!" She hugs me and leaves. Sometime during that small conversation, the band cleared out leaving Jace and me in the garage alone.
"You know, you were really amazing. You have a beautiful voice," he says softly to me. Does this garage have a heater? I think I need to get checked for asthma, because I'm really finding it hard to breathe right now. We just stand there staring into each other's eyes, and I can see something in his that makes me want to put my arms around him again. No, this can't happen, we could never happen. I don't feel this way about guys, well I never have. Ugh, damn the hummingbirds in my stomach!
"Jace, I'm not sure-I don't know-you see-" what if I'm just jumping to conclusions here. He might look at everyone like that, and I could be taking it wrong because I'm the only one that's attracted here. But he is looking at me very intensely, and I really don't know what to do about it.
"I'm really sorry, I shouldn't be doing that," he says looking away from me.
"Doing what?" I try to sound as innocent as possible, but now I'm curious.
"It's just, I've heard so much about you, and I've seen the pictures of you that my parents have and that Alec's posted of you, and everyone in the house has always talked about you before, and even more now, and it just feels like I've sort of come to know you too, in a weird way. I remember you from when we were kids, and I was always too shy to play with you guys because you were there. And now, I finally meet you again, and wow. I mean, I've never, I mean, well uh…You're just really beautiful, and I know it's wrong, and you're my brother's girlfriend, and-"
"Jace," I whispered cutting off his rant. "Stop, please. I have to go."
I run past him and up the stairs into Alec's room. He bolts up from his bed as I slam the door shut behind me. I slide down the door and land on the floor with my knees pulled up to my chest, taking deep breaths.
"Clary, what the hell? Are you okay?"
"We have a problem Alec, a big problem."
He moves to sit next to me at my place on the floor. "What is it?"
"It's Jace."
"Was he an ass to you, because I told him if he doesn't act right towards you, we'd have problems."
"What do you mean?"
"Jace isn't very nice to girls. He makes snide or rude comments to pretty much any girl. Sometimes I wonder if it's cause he's gay, but he isn't. He's had the occasional girlfriend, but from what he's told me, he just doesn't want to fully invest in any of them. He always complains about not connecting with anyone."
"Oh," I didn't know what to think of that. Did he have commitment issues or something?
"So what did he do?"
"He called me beautiful," I tell him, watching his reaction.
"Oh no. Someone called you beautiful, how dare they?" he said laughing at me.
"It's not just that, it's the way he said it, in fact it was everything he said that led up to that."
"What did he say?"
"More of a rant, really."
"My brother doesn't rant, and HE of all people doesn't use the word beautiful, it's not in his vocabulary." Realization suddenly washed over him and Alec stood and began to pace the room. "No, no, no. Clary, what are we going to do? This can't happen, I can't lose you. What will everyone think? Oh, gosh! Maybe if we tell him, we can fix this. But that's going to make him want you even more. Maybe we can stage a break up, and we don't have to tell him. No, but then he wouldn't stoop so low as to dating his brother's ex girlfriend. Maybe if he knew, we could get him in on the breakup. Wait, what if Issy-"
"Alec, is ranting a family trait? Please sit down!" I tell him as I stand back up.
"We aren't doing any of that. We are going to continue on with what we've been doing, and not let any of this impact us okay?"
"I can't do that to you Clary, it'd be selfish of me. I saw how you looked at him today when you first met. Hell, I saw how he looked at you. I was hoping it was my imagination, but you two have that whole love at first sight kind of chemistry."
"Alec, I can't-"
"You can and we will figure something out I promise."
"Thank you!" I say realizing that Alec was right, there is something there. It may not be love, hell, I don't know what it is, but I want to find out. I need to find out.
He stands up and walks over wrapping me in his arms, when his door suddenly opens.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Jace says turning to leave.
"Jace, wait, can we talk?" Alec says to him.
What do you think should happen? Should they come clean right away, or should we let their secret relationship play out a little longer? I will let you guys decide; I have an idea either way…..Thank you so much for reading! Goodnight and XO
