Hiding My Life (On Hold)

Chapter Eight

Clary's POV

As the game wrapped up, everyone was cheering for our team, as we had just won. I smiled and watched as Jace threw off his helmet, running up the stairs or our side of the bleachers.

I got to him and hugged him, congratulating him on the big win. He pulled away from me and kissed me. It started off as just a kiss, but he kept going, deepening the kiss until his tongue was battling with mine.

Before I could let out a moan, I pulled away from him. "My dad just watched us make out. Along with my big brother." Jace's eyes went wide and we looked to everyone who had apparently been watching our little make-out session.

"Well, that would've been nice to know beforehand." He whispered to me and I stepped away from him, finally smelling the nastiness of him.

"You need a shower before I'm anywhere near you again." He laughed.

"You love it." I shook my head.

"Mm, no. I like you, but I won't anymore if you don't go shower." He rolled his eyes and as everyone was getting out of their seats to leave, but the sound of a microphone stopped them.

Ryder walked onto the field with a microphone in one hand and a small remote in the other. Four of the guys stood behind him, looking at me.

"Luke, why the hell is Ryder down there?" Luke stood and walked to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you don't kill him." I sighed and payed attention to Ryder.

"Alright, guys. So, I know that the game is over, but I called in a favor from a friend, letting me do this tonight. Hopefully, I've peaked your attention, getting you to stay just a few extra minutes." He spoke and most people sat back down, some people leaving anyways.

"Okay. So, I've got this friend, refusing to believe that her voice is absolutely amazing. Now, I recorded her singing without her knowing and I'd like to get some feedback, see if you'll all agree with me and make her realize how she's been too insecure for her own good. Can you all help me with that?" Just about everyone nodded or agreed to do so.

But, as I was about to yell at him to stop this shit, Jace was now holding me and Luke had a hand clasped over my mouth.

The song started playing and I leaned my head back onto Jace's shoulder, embarrassed by this whole situation.

"I've never been one to step out of my comfort zone, when I try, I'm afraid to just let go. Don't know why I run, don't know why I hide, never let them know what I feel inside.

Don't know why I'm scared, just to take a chance. Well, I'm just standing here. I've never been one to break free, 'cause I've always cared what everyone thinks of me.

Don't know why I run, don't know why I hide, never let them know what I feel inside. Don't know why I'm scared, just to take a chance. Well, I'm just standing here.

Like a bird, I'm free to fly, spread my wings and find my life. Like a bird, I'm up so high, out of the cage, it's my time to shine. Like a bird, I'm free to fly. So, tell me, tell me, why don't I?"

The song ended and I glared daggers at Ryder, but I quickly stopped as everyone stood, clapping. That can't be for me, right? Right? Fuck.

"So, I did good?" Ryder questioned and just about everyone nodded. "Thank you very much. Now, hopefully she won't hate me for this." I rolled my eyes and shoved Jace and Luke away.

I walked up to Ryder as everyone began to leave. He smiled and kissed my forehead as I wrapped my arms around him.

"Did I do good, angel?" I nodded against his chest.

"You always do." I whispered, not wanting to let go of him.

"I love you, angel." I kept my arms around him, but looked up at him.

"I love you, too, Ry." He suddenly let go of me and just held my hand as we walked back to everyone. "Guys, this is my best friend, Ryder." I introduced him even though they had technically met him. When I still hated them.

"Nice tattoos." Magnus spoke, admiring Ryder's tattood up arms.

"Thanks." He said and I smiled at them all getting along, but we needed to get home. "Ready to go, angel?" I nodded and hugged my dad and Jon before pecking Jace on the lips.

"See you guys later." I gave Jace his jacket back and Luke followed behind us and I got into the SUV with him while the guys and Ryder got onto their motorcycles, speeding off before we could even pull out of our parking space.

I turned on the radio and listened to Closer by Halsey and the Chainsmokers on our way home.

The guys must've gotten there about ten minutes before us, as no one was seen on the sidewalks. But, as I started to get out of the car, a car slowly passed by us and a gun was poked out of the backseats window.

Before I could duck, a bullet landed into my left shoulder, sending me to the ground, crying out in pain. I looked to the house as Ryder stood on the steps, trying to get to me, but multiple bullets landed in his chest and he laid limp on the ground, blood seeping through the holes.

"Ryder!" I screeched and Luke hurried to me once the car had sped away. He took off his jacket and pressed it to my shoulder with one hand as he called 911 with the other.

He finally just dropped the phone and pressed my shoulder harder with both hands now, making me cry out in pain.

"I know, angel. I know. I'm so sorry." I looked up into his teary eyes with my own.

"R-Ry? Help Ryder." I gasped out and he shook his head.

"Nobody can help him anymore, baby. I'm sorry." I cried harder and passed out from the blood loss, just before hearing the sirens.