Thanks so much for reviewing, everyone. I appreciate you waiting patiently for the next instalment, it has been quite a hectic few weeks. We are only a couple of chapters away from the end and I hope you have enjoyed reading Idris as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Without further ado, here is the next chapter. I acknowledge that Cassandra Clare and Yoko Tomio own the rights.
Chapter Twenty Four: The Winner
For one moment, there was silence as everybody stared at the choking host, who was clawing at his throat, in the fetal position on the floor before suddenly two people reacted. Clary and Kaelie. Clary reached the man first and seeing the microphone lying a couple of metres away, asked
"It can't be electrocution, can it?"
Kaelie looked up and said
"Best to be sure".
She turned towards the backstage crew, who were peering out onto the stage and shouted
"Turn off the electricity. NOW".
Within seconds, the whole place descended into darkness and Clary bent closer to the host, who had suddenly stopped moving. She grabbed hold of his hand and said
"Hello. Can you hear me?"
There was no response. Clary took a deep breath and tried again
"If you can hear me but can't respond, please indicate this. Can you squeeze my hand or blink or do something to let me know you can hear me?"
It seemed like she was miles away but she heard Kaelie say faintly
"Give us some space, people. Maybe move offstage".
She turned back to Clary, who realised people from the audience and the other contestants had moved up around them, surrounding them in a circle. Loud talking was rippling throughout the audience, a mix of worry and curiosity descending over them like a shroud. Then Clary felt the faintest of squeeze, a tiny pinch on her right pinky. She looked up at Kaelie, who took over immediately.
"Call 911 now" she shouted towards a passing attendant, who looked frightened at the normally jovial blonde adopting a look of fierce steel. They nodded hurriedly and ran off, presumably to phone someone and then have a good cry.
"Check his airways" said Clary and Kaelie nodded, opening up the host's mouth and peering inside. She didn't seem to notice the spit dribbling onto her fingers and Clary felt her respect for the girl rise even more. Kaelie tilted the man to one side, so that any gunk or vomit could seep out but nothing came. His breathing seemed very faint and she looked up at Clary.
"I think we need to perform CPR".
Clary nodded and Kaelie rolled him back onto his back, before Clary moved up towards his chest. She placed the heel of one hand on the lower half of the man's chest, before moving the other hand onto of the first, interlocking her fingers. Kaelie stared at her luminous watch in the gloom and said
"Okay, we are going to aim for 100 compressions in a minute. 30 compressions intermixed with two breaths, okay?".
Clary nodded began pressing down on his chest, steadily and as quickly as possible. She prayed she wasn't about to break his ribs and as she looked up Kaelie gave her an encouraging smile. When 30 compressions were up, Kaelie, who was closest to the mouth, tilted the man's head back and lifted up his chin. She closed his nostrils with her finger and thumb before leaning down and giving two full breaths into his mouth. Clary saw the man's chest move slightly and hissed
"It's working".
She pressed down on his chest again, administering another 30 compressions, concentrating hard on the depth of the compression. Kaelie again blew two breaths into his mouth and on the second breath, the host gave a loud exhale and Clary and Kaelie sat back in relief, Clary's heart slowly returning to its normal pace.
At last, after what seemed like eternity, the host's eyes flickered open and Clary never thought she would have been so relieved to see globular organs before. A collective and simultaneous sigh of reassurance echoed around the room before clapping started in Jace's corners, moving across the entire auditorium like a flame. It sounded like a roar of the ocean, crashing down onto the sound and again Clary was reminded of her daydream.
She brushed it aside and instead grinned at Kaelie, who was grinning back. Before she knew what was happening, Kaelie had her arm around her shoulder and was saying
"Good job, girl. I would have lost it if you hadn't of been there".
"Same" Clary said back, surprised at how quickly she had begun to like Kaelie. At the start of the day, they had been strangers and competitors, now they were bonding. As they hugged, the host was getting helped to his feet and they both turned, ready to voice their concerns. He looked kind of pale and sweaty, his stage makeup running. However then he flashed a trademark grin and said
"And I am very pleased to announce that Miss Kaelie Whitewillow and Miss Clarissa Fray are our final two contestants in this competition".
The clapping stopped as quickly as it had started as everyone stared in disbelief at the host. He winked and said
"It's been a while since I went to drama school but I've still got it apparently".
Everyone was still staring at him, some with narrowed eyes but he continued blithely.
"As you all know, life skills is the final section of the competition, however most of the time, they are surprises and catch you unaware. These two girls responded quickly, efficiently and didn't lose their cool once, which was what the judges were marking them on. This round was meant as a sudden death round and sometimes one person will respond, sometimes two, sometimes more".
Now some of the other contestants looked as if they were about to burst into tears and Clary felt a pang of disappointment for Tessa. She had been looking forward to versing her in the last round and she wondered whether Tessa felt any bitterness. Tessa caught her eye, her own eyes narrowed, a sour expression on her face however she mouthed
"Well done", her eyes softening a little. Clary turned back to Kaelie, who was staring around in disbelief. The host continued.
"So as you know, there can only be one winner. So before I so rudely interrupted proceedings, the other judges were going to award you points on your performance in the Mock Trial round. You will scored on your performance as leaders, as a group and where you placed in the competition. Then we will crown the Next Teen Of New York".
"I did not see that coming" said Magnus, as he watched the contestants move offstage, a break being signalled so the judges could discuss scores. Some audience members were up stretching their legs, others were still shell shocked.
"I'm glad Clary didn't kiss that odious man' said Jocelyn, staring at the host with dislike, 'he is practically forty and forced the situation upon them. I hope that other girl knows a good dentist, she will probably need to have her mouth disinfected".
She turned to her husband to see whether he agreed but he was still unconscious from when he had fainted in terror. She rolled her eyes and Camille took this opportunity to say
"I knew a man like that once. He was completely coldhearted and business like when it came to love. He didn't believe it in, preferring to spend his time flattering older women to improve his business connections. He would sometimes pretend to be sick or injured to get me to come over and nurse him. He had been scarred by a former lover and he could never love again. People who have been burned often become distant and isolated from their actions, unable to see that what they are doing is hurting others".
She trailed off looking into the distance and Maia and Bat looked over at the others to see whether this was a regular occurrence. Jocelyn mouthed in a tone of great superiority
"Apparently she dated Plato".
"Just one of those regular girl next door vampires" said Bat, not bothering to keep his voice down and Maia glared at him.
"You seem to have the subtly of the Empire State Building".
Bat glared at her and said
"At least, I don't have the romantic notions of a Mills and Boons novel".
"At least I don't have the emotional range of a teaspoon".
"At least I don't have to copy quotes from Harry Potter to think up comeback lines".
"At least..."
"Why don't you both don't shut up and ask each other out' said Camille, 'it's getting quite annoying hearing about your love life".
Luke was slowly reviving and said in a slurred voice
"What happened? Is Clary okay?"
"Oh yes' said Jonathan, 'the host was actually just faking dying, Kaelie had to practically make out with him though. Clary and Kaelie are the last two remaining in the competition, their scores from the second last round are being added up and in about ten minutes, Clary will either have won and received a million dollars or come second and received 800,000. Either way, we are filthy rich. Oh and apparently Maia and Bat should ask each other out and..Dad?"
Luke had fainted again. Magnus had been very quiet and Camille asked
"What's wrong now?"
He turned to her slowly and said
"Was the person you were talking about...Sebastian?"
Jace was so proud, that he and Simon had snuck backstage, SAS style, in search of Clary. She had practically won against all odds and proved his mother wrong. A girl from the wrong side of the tracks could beat a bunch of rich, private school educated teenagers, whose entire lives had revolved around training for this show. He wove his way around the twisting passageways, moving past crying girls, screaming girls, half naked girls, excited girls, pretty much many girls, all whom stared at him as he passed by his dressing room. He definitely made up the minority this time.
He found Clary's dressing room and opened the door. There was a violent scream and a towel was chucked at his head. He staggered out and saw Simon laughing. He scowled and knocked on the door.
"Go away' said someone inside, 'this is the girl's change rooms".
"Is Clary in there?"
"Who?"
"Clary Fray?"
"You think I know everyone whose in this competition?"
He said sarcastically
"The red haired girl who is in the final two".
"Oh that Clary Fray. She's backstage, with Kaelie. You have to run though".
"Thanks" said Jace and took off, leaving Simon to catch up. When he did, Jace was scoffing
"Oh that Clary Fray. How many are there?"
"She's probably just messing with you' said Simon, 'Clary did a great job. She did you proud".
"She did us proud" said Jace magnanimously and Simon nodded.
"Anyway' said Jace, 'she's gonna win for sure. And then my bitch of a mother won't be able to...Lewis?"
He turned to see Simon had stopped and he slowly followed his shocked gaze to where Isabelle was standing at the end of the corridor. She had caught sight of them and was moving towards them, a small smile on her face.
"Hey guys' she said, as she reached them, 'it's good to see you".
She hugged Jace, who hugged her back.
"It's good to see you too, Izzy' he said, 'how was your flight?"
"Oh it was great' she said, 'the second I heard Clary was competing, I got onto the next flight home. She's so awesome and..."
"Hello Izzy" said Simon.
She turned slightly, stared at him for one second before turning back to Jace.
"Hi Simon' she said, 'how are you?"
"Good' he said calmly, 'I'm really well".
"That's good' she said and Jace saw her hand shake slightly, 'I'm pleased".
He suddenly caught on that for once Isabelle was nervous and Simon was calm and collected. Smirking a little he said
"I've got to go find Clary, wish her luck. See you guys".
Isabelle shot him an anguished look though Simon seemed a little pleased. Simon watched Isabelle as she looked after Jace before looking down at her shoes. He had never seen her this nervous before and he wondered if you normally got this shaken up when you were about to break your friend's heart further. He knew that the reason she hadn't told him she was coming back was because of what had transpired the night before he left. She didn't want to break his heart but she didn't love him. She was getting married for gods sake. He was surprised he was this calm.
"How are you?" she said and he said
"We've done that one".
"Oh' and he watched as she fished for something else, 'how's school?"
"Let's just cut to the chase, bypassing school, the weather and Clary's performance. You didn't expect we would meet, did you?"
He saw she was debating her answer but she was nothing if not truthful and she said
"No. Not really. I was hoping to avoid you".
It was like she had stabbed him again and now he knew what it was like for Jace, when he hit something. It didn't get rid of the pain but it helped you channel it.
"When you were in France, I was so excited you were there. My best friend was there, I could get his opinion on everything to do with my wedding. My future husband was not, to say the least, interested in picking cakes or dresses. And I thought everything was going fine, until..."
"Until I drunkenly propositioned you' said Simon, 'I'm sorry about that. Really Izzy. I am. I didn't mean to spoil your engagement".
Isabelle eyed him shrewdly and said
"Really?"
"Yeah' he said flippantly, 'I was caught up in the moment, my best friend was getting married and it seemed so sudden. I guess I just didn't want to lose you. You and your husband make a brilliant couple. Everyday I see articles and reports about just how perfect you are for each other, two hotshot lawyers, making millions and about to have the most beautiful wedding of the year. I'm really proud, Izzy. I hope I am still invited and I haven't been blacklisted forever in your mind".
He grinned at her but stopped as she rolled her eyes.
'Oh you stupid, stupid boy' she said, 'I'm not engaged anymore".
It was like something had hit him. He stared at her and she said
"I was so angry when you told me you loved me. I was so angry. Here you were telling me this a week before my marriage? And then I realised the reason I was so angry wasn't because I was hurt but because it had taken someone else wanting to marry me to scare you to your senses. But I realise now that you didn't actually mean that so I'm sorry for bothering you. I may see you after the show".
She turned on her heels and Simon was left staring after her in shock. She actually loved him? She wasn't engaged anymore? He was such an idiot. Suddenly he was running after her and he grabbed hold of her wrist, turning her around. She was crying, tears leaking out of her eyes and then he kissed her, holding her face in his hands. He had never felt so alive, every fibre in his body was on fire, and she was kissing him back, running her fingers through his hair, wrapping her arms around his back and then they pulled apart as someone walked past them.
"There are children present" they sniffed.
They didn't even seem to notice. Simon grinned like an idiot and Isabelle said
"Well. That took you long enough".
Jace found Clary and Kaelie in deep conversation and he couldn't help stopping to take her in. She was radiant, her red hair glowing in the light, her face lit up in a smile. Kaelie spotted him standing there and she said
"Your boyfriend's gawping like an idiot".
Clary turned and she grinned at Jace. He came up to her and wrapped her up in his arms, kissing her on the top of her head.
"Wow' she said, 'I didn't know competitions had this effect on you".
"You have this effect on me" he said and Kaelie smiled.
"He was never this awesome when we were dating. You two make a good couple".
"I know we do' he said, 'and furthermore she is going to win".
"Ignore him' said Clary, 'he is competitive by nature".
"Oh don't I know that?"
They both eyed him speculatively and Jace suddenly felt very afraid. Wasn't it every guy's nightmare for his current girlfriend and his ex girlfriend to get along that well, possibly better than they got on with him?
"Clarissa and Kaelie, please make you way to the stage".
Kaelie and Clary looked at each other. Jace turned her away and hugged her tightly.
"No matter what happens, I will always be proud of you and I will always love you".
"Thank you" she said, kissing him on the cheek, before turning and walking onto the stage with Kaelie. Jace watched them leave and wondered what he had done to be this happy. The day Clary Fray had walked into his life was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
"Are you going mushy on us?" said Sebastian as he joined Jace backstage.
"Absolutely not' said Jace, 'what about you, having a panic attack in the bathroom?"
"Don't be ridiculous' said Sebastian coolly, 'why would I do something like that?"
"What's this about?" said Alec, who hadn't heard about this.
"He freaked out that Isabelle was here".
"Oh' said Alec, 'yeah. She phoned me after her flight got in. She wanted to know who would be there".
Everybody stared at him and he said
"What? Isabelle is like a sister to me".
"And you forgot to tell us?' said Sebastian, 'I am pretty sure I killed half my hair roots".
"I thought you said you didn't freak out".
"Was Magnus with you at the time?' said Jace, 'because you tend to forget CRUCIAL details when you are with him. Like your best friend's crush who broke his heart and is getting married is back in TOWN".
Alec blushed faintly before saying
"I wouldn't worry about Simon. He and Isabelle seem to be doing just fine".
Sebastian and Jace followed his gaze and saw Simon and Isabelle walking hand in hand towards them.
"That' said Sebastian in a tight voice, 'is evident. But I am still going to kill you and Magnus in that order. Possibly also Isabelle".
"Before you do that' said Isabelle, 'let's find out exactly who won".
Clary waited with clammy hands as she watched the host step away from the judge's table and move towards the stage. Whatever was announced, her family would be safe and she glanced towards them, glad for once she had been able to protect them. However would she be good enough to win? Would she prove Imogen wrong? She glanced towards Jace, who was standing backstage and her heart twisted. She wanted it to come from Imogen's own lips that Clary was able to stay with her son. That she would stop trying to mess with their lives.
The host finally made it to the stage and said
"And here we are. The final two competitors in Teen Of New York. In the next few moments, all shall be revealed, who has won, who has lost and who shall be the Next Teen Of New York...Kaelie. Why do you want to win this competition?"
Kaelie stared at him, still holding a grudge for what he had done before and said
"The Teen Of New York competition is something I have looked forward to my entire life. It is a huge step up into many different fields and allows you to prove your worth to various employers and sponsors. My biggest dream is to follow in my father's footsteps and become a politician and if I were to win, it would have not only proved to him and any other doubters that I could do it without help but also to myself. That is why I want to win".
"Very well put' said the host, 'so if I said the winner was...Clary. What about you? Do you feel you have what it takes to be the winner?"
"I feel that what I showcased for everyone today was to the best of my abilities' said Clary, 'whether I win or lose, today has been, like Kaelie said, a day of proving myself not only to myself and my family, but to the rest of the world that I am a fighter. No matter what obstacles or challenges are in my way, I will achieve what I set out to do".
"Please give them one more round of applause' the host said, 'to show them how awesome they are".
The auditorium broke into screams, wild laughter, applause and banners being thrown around. Clary grinned, exhilarated beyond belief. After a couple of minutes, the applause wound down and the host said
"Without further ado...the winner of Teen Of New York is...Kaelie Whitewillow".
Anyone outside of the auditorium that day would have thought an explosion had gone off. The roar of the crowd was so loud and so excited that Clary almost was knocked off her feet. Streamers and balloons were falling from the ceiling and Kaelie seemed to be in a state of shock. Clary nudged her and said
"You won. Go and get your prize".
She clapped as Kaelie stumbled forward, grinning like a maniac and took the trophy from the judge. She held it up into the air to the cheers and Clary laughed. For a rich girl, trained in the art of eloquence and elegance, Kaelie sure knew how to behave like a six year old. Kaelie finally tucked the trophy underneath her arm before grabbing the microphone off the host.
"THANK YOU' she shouted hyperactively, 'this means so much to me and I am eternally grateful for being given this opportunity to thank my family and my friends and the audience for being so supportive. Thank you to the judges for giving me this chance to be this year's Teen Of New York. Thank you to the backstage crew for the wonderful lighting and props and the organisers for giving us this opportunity to showcase ourselves. Finally to all the other girls for making me push myself and push myself to achieve, especially Clary. She has been my one beacon to reach out for and to surpass. You were awesome. Please give her applause".
She pulled Clary forward and Clary heard the auditorium again dissolve into clapping and raucous noise. She and Kaelie grinned at the crowd and she saw her family on their feet, wolf-whistling and the looks of their faces were enough to make her go to sleep every night for the rest of her life, with a smile on her face. They were so proud. Magnus and Camille were there, cheering, their support and friendship over the past few months the best thing that had ever happened to her. And finally to Jace and the Shadowhunters, she saw their proud, tired and happy looks and she was actually so glad she had punched Jace in the face that day because otherwise she would never have got a chance to know them.
And the cheers were still ringing around her head as Sebastian treated everyone to a night at a restaurant. He had booked out a room at the Plaza and the explicit music reverberated around the hotel, though Clary didn't care for once about disturbing the peace. She was on such a high she could barely take the grin off her face.
Her parents hadn't left her side for the first half of the night and now they were sitting with a sleeping Jonathan, talking softly to each other. The cheque from the competition was going to be wired into her account soon and they could buy a small house, a better house. They waved at her as she walked past and she grinned.
Alec and Magnus were with Camille and Sebastian, though Magnus kept staring at Sebastian with a strange look on his face. Camille had taken over as DJ and was playing tunes that hadn't been in the Top 10 for centuries. Sebastian had started flirting with a manager and Alec and Magnus were snogging each other, for once unconcerned with being in the public view.
Simon and Isabelle were on the dance floor, slow dancing, even though Pound the Alarm by Nicki Minaj, was currently on. Clary couldn't be happier for her two friends, it had taken them a while but they were finally together. Aline was talking to Jace, who was half listening, half making eyes at Clary. Aline was growing more exasperated as Jace ignored her.
This night was perfect, Clary thought, nothing could shatter her happiness tonight. She stood, watching her party and knew that tomorrow, she would have to face Imogen. Ask her to let her and Jace be together. Tell her that no matter what, she wouldn't let Imogen walk over her. But tonight was hers and hers alone. Someone had once said
"History keeps her secrets longer than most of us. But she has one secret that I will reveal to you tonight in greatest confidence. Sometimes there are no winners at all. And sometimes nobody needs to lose". Tonight was the reign of Clarissa Fray.
Jace detached himself from Aline, his mobile vibrating in his pocket. He kept trying to find Clary but each time he did, someone wanted to talk to him. He regretted allowing Sebastian to invite whom ever he wanted, this was Clary's night. Not that she seemed bothered, at the moment she was doing the Time Warp with Magnus. He pulled out his phone, intending to reject the call but then saw his mother's name come up. Shit, what did the bitch want now? He pressed Answer and said
"I'm busy".
"So am I" said Imogen.
"In case you hadn't noticed, Clary came second. Out of 1000 girls, girls which you would so rather me go out with. A little commoner beat your precious handpicked rich girls. Maybe the world isn't so black and white after all. So piss off and leave us alone".
"I have something to say' said Imogen, 'so I suggest you stop swearing and listen to me".
"Actually' said Jace, 'I'm done with listening to you".
And he hung up.