THE REAL PRINCE CHARMING
AUTHOR'S NOTE/DISCLAIMER
A companion piece of sorts to "My Cinderella?" though you can read each story separately. Austin's POV at the football game. A Cinderella Story belongs to Warner Brothers.
With a heavy heart, I threw the football to Ryan. I couldn't get Sam's words out of my head. The hurt, anger, and disappointment had been so clear in her voice. She hadn't even given me a chance to explain, though, if I put myself in her shoes, I suppose I couldn't really blame her. What was supposed to think? For all she knew, the whole thing could've been some cruel prank Shelby and I had cooked up together…which we hadn't of course. But that was the thing: Sam didn't know that. My dad came up and told me to focus on the game and win, but I could care less. I don't want to play football at USC. I just want to go away. Get out of this stupid town. Feeling a burst of anger at my father, I chucked the ball to Ryan somewhat harder than I should've. Then, I casually scanned the crowd. My eyes widened a bit when I saw her. Sam! She was sitting with the boy who had been with her at the pep rally. My brow furrowed as I tried to remember his name. Arthur? No, Carter. I felt my lips curve into a smile as they settled in their seats on the bleachers. She had come. Sam had come. As we continued warm ups, I could hear Shelby and her squad shouting indistinctly. Visions of Shelby's little skit swam before my eyes and I wanted to scream. Dang Shelby! If she hadn't been so cruel, maybe wouldn't have left! A little while later, as we jogged onto the field to begin the game, it was as if someone had given me new life. I threw harder and ran faster than I remembered ever doing. Suddenly, everyone was chanting my name. I had to admit, it felt kinda good. I knelt down with the others in the huddle and began to tell them our next move. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement. My breath caught. She was leaving! Sam was leaving! I stared for a moment. Should I follow her or stay and finish the game? I turned back to the team and made my decision.
"Sorry, boys," I told them. Then got up, removed my helmet, and ran for the bleachers. I couldn't let her get away! I couldn't be like waiting for the rain in this drought. I didn't want the idea of us being useless and disappointing.
"Hey, hey, hey, hey. Whoa. What are you doing?" Dad asked.
"I'm out of here," I told him.
"You're throwing away your dream."
"No, Dad. I'm throwing away yours." I turned to Ryan. "It's your game now. Go get 'em." I saw his face light up and then continued on my way, ignoring everything and everyone else. I hurried to the end of the row and paused momentarily so that Sam could see me. Then, I ran up to her.
"Austin, what are you doing?"
"Something I should have done a long time ago." I sighed and mouthed words "Come here." We leaned towards each other. Our kiss was hesitant, but full of love. Suddenly, I felt something wet on my face. She and I looked up. It was raining. Thunder rumbled. I grinned and my put my hand on her cheek.
"Sorry I waited for the rain."
"It's okay." We resumed kissing and I could feel the love radiating from each of us. And it was then that I knew I had made the right choice by deciding to become the real Prince Charming.