Extended Summary: Windblast-a sudden rush of air due to the collapse of a void, causing mass destruction in its path. Austin had left for the summer, only to return in time for us to reunite at college. Due to a twist of fate I, Ally Dawson, am now attending the same college as my ex-boyfriend. God, I hate that title. I never wanted it to come to this, but if he wants me back then he'll have to prove it. Meaning breaking down his walls as I break down mine. Connecting again and keeping up our further education in the process. We had come a long way from two summers ago, never did I believe I would start my college career with my ex-boyfriend by my side, and never did I believe that ex would be the one I swore I would marry one day.
A/N: In this story you will follow Austin and Ally in the best days of their lives so far...or so they thought. Austin and Ally need to mend their broken relationship and learn to build trust if they want to survive. Where they would usually love the turn of events that end Ally up in Notre Dame, they seem to feel its all happening too fast. ND's newest power couple may have more than a few issues but in the end doesn't love conquer all? Will their love survive it's biggest challenge yet? And who will be caught being unfaithful? You'll have to read and find out, as promised lots of drama and angst...and Auslly! :)
If you were to ask me 2 months ago where I saw myself in 10 years I would have said by Austin Moon's side, holding his hand while we look at houses to build a future in. I would have said in 10 years I might have ring on my left hand. 10 years I would have a secure job as a music teacher.
Now as I walk out of this airport with Scott on my right and Tori on my left, approaching my future, I have no clue of what I will be doing in 10 years and no idea who I will be with.
I haven't spoken directly to Austin in over 2 months, we only texted back and forth, on and off for a month and then once or twice since then. He never came back in August, Scott's family packed his things and sent them to Colorado where he stayed until now. According to Scott who talked to him before our flight he was arriving almost the same time as us.
I remember having the last conversation with him, when he told me he wasn't coming back. I couldn't contain the hurt and anger I held towards him. He promised, he also promised he hadn't found someone else. According to him, he has been faithful whether we are actually together or not. After that conversation, I told him we weren't. I needed space after he broke such an important promise. I missed him, didn't he miss me?
I had also remained faithful, only flirting at some parties but never going even as far as kissing another guy. I did love Austin and remaining dedicated to him was easy, if there was any chance of us getting back together I couldn't be a hypocrite.
"Al?"
I shook my head of my thoughts and saw that we were now at the cab, packing up the trunk. We had shipped most of our stuff to the dorms but we did bring some last minute items and clothes that we needed with us. I helped pack up then we all piled into the SUV as Scott gave the directions to campus.
July 14th, the day my life was turned upside down. Tori and I received a letter from Mansfield stating that due to over-acceptance there was no room at the school. They apologized and said that they had worked out a deal with neighboring school, Notre Dame, to allow us to attend there for the time being. I know it sounds crazy and almost impossible but it happened. Austin, Scott, Tori and I are all attending the same school.
Scott and Tori were over the moon, Austin and I...not so much. I was happy but at the moment things are rough and being so close might complicate things. I was hoping the distance would make things less awkward but now with no distance between us besides a few block walk between dorms I had no barrier. I was defenseless and no longer had the upper hand, as Austin was very well known on campus already as the baseball sensation.
The only reason I got accepted to move over is because of my lacrosse ability, as with Tori. We were asked to play and of course with the need to go to college we agreed. So now on top of my studies I have lacrosse, now during off season it shouldn't be too killer but the season I know I will have no social life, between classes and practice and studying. Maybe I will even sleep somewhere in there.
Tori and I were roommates, as was Scott to Austin. It seemed to be a match made in heaven only Austin was on my shit list right now. I did however talk with his great aunt, Leslie. She said that he had been making great progress. He seemed a lot more happy, except occasionally when she would hear him crying in his room, when she asked him he would usually play it off but one time he told her he was praying that we would work out and that I would forgive him for all the pain I caused him. When I heard that I felt my heart strings tug, as mad as I was I did love him and the fact he was feeling that way made me just want to fly out and hug him.
The reason I didn't fly out is because leaving would be too hard and me going would most likely cause a relapse. He went to the doctors and was diagnosed with PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and that also caused a side effect of depression-like feelings and symptoms. He began treatment and finished two weeks ago. They said he passed with flying colors but anything could trigger him. He came a long way, from hiding it to dealing with it, to surviving it. I knew giving him a hard time would be difficult as I knew as soon as I saw him I would want to hug and kiss him. But, that's exactly what he didn't want, he didn't want to be pitied or treated different and that's what I'm gonna give him, no mercy.
"Are you nervous?"
I nodded as Scott looked over to engage in our conversation.
"Don't be, he said he's freaking out though. He's been practicing what he's gonna say to you, it's actually really pathetic." I let a smile crawl across my face as I looked out the window. "I know you said you didn't want to know, but he always tells me to tell you…" He paused waiting for me to interrupt like usual. "that he misses you" He finished with a look of relief to Tori.
"I had a feeling" I smiled genuinely.
"Are you going to sing him your song?" Tori asked.
"Huh?"
"Your new song...did you even tell him that you started writing songs?"
"Oh, no when we talked it was more of a hi, how are you type of conversation." She nodded. "But, I think I will eventually play it for him just because it explains everything so well."
She smiled. "I'm glad, you are amazing at that"
"Thanks Tor but you have to say that"
"No I don't. If it sucked believe me I would tell you. Spare you the embarrassment."
"Scott.." I asked, nervously after some time had passed.
"No, his flight got delayed. He probably won't be here until lunch time."
"How did you know I was gonna ask that?"
"Because I know you. Both of you." He smiled and squeezed my shoulder as we pulled up to campus.
We got out and unpacked the trunk of our carry-ons as Scott paid for the cab, after some bantering. He walked around and picked up his bag. We agreed to meet up for lunch at Five Guy's which wasn't far from campus. Tori and I made our way to our dorm, making small talk on the way. Luckily she stayed off the Austin topic, probably knowing today would be enough to make me crazy without her prying.
We finally found our room after stopping at the welcome table outside the dorm. We had a single room for two people. It had it's own bathroom attached that we shared with the dorm room next to us. Luckily it had two showers and a separator where the toilets were, kind of like a public restroom.
We each had a twin bed and desk, then a closet and dresser and a small sitting area with hook up for a TV. The way the room was set up seemed to be very efficient and spacious, so we decided to keep it. My bed was by the window and Tori's was on the opposite wall. Our boxes were neatly piled in the corner, all marked.
"I guess we should start unpacking." Tori sighed, collapsing on her bed.
I nodded and walked over to the boxes, there were only four so unpacking wouldn't take too long. I started with my bedding and pictures. I made my bed with the black and white comforter and red sheets. These were the colors Tori and I choose as our theme, she couldn't imagine having clashing colors. After placing the accent pillows and red throw blanket I moved on to my pictures. I had decided as decor that I would use a clothesline and hang my pictures by clothespins. That way I could show off more and add new ones easier. I taped three pieces of string against the wall above my bed then began hanging the pictures.
"Als, maybe you should wait to do that" Tori said, as I paused and looked at a picture of Austin and I from his birthday.
I shook my head. "I'm fine."
I continued to hang the pictures, even the ones with Austin. After they were all hung I noticed that I also had the few important framed pictures. I picked up the first red frame and flipped it over. In the frame was a picture of Austin and I from our 6 month anniversary. I felt a tear slip down my cheek as it reminded me that because of our 'break' Austin and I never made it to one year.
I felt Tori's arms wrap around my shoulders as I slipped onto the edge of my bed and she followed. I dropped the picture to the floor as the tears began spilling out.
"I know" She whispered as I began to sob into her shoulder. "It's going to be ok, I promise."
There they were, the words I hated from any mouth they spewed from. Ever since Austin promised to come back and then never did I had hated when people would promise things. Can you really make a promise? Isn't there always at least a small chance that something's going to happen and that promise will be broken? That's why I no longer wear my promise ring...it means nothing to me anymore.
All I wear now is a chain that holds a heart, tucked under my shirt, something that was given not as a promise but a statement. Austin and I will always be connected by the heart and that's not a promise.. it's a fact.
"Als, seriously lets go! We are going to be late for lunch and knowing Scott he's not going to wait"
I was always one for punctuality but lately I had found myself running around like a chicken with their head cut off minutes before. So, I quickly looked over my outfit of ripped, cuffed jeans and a simple white tank that was paired with my hunter green toms.
"Ok, lets go" I said, grabbing my phone and wallet before following Tori out of the room and closing the door behind us.
"Als.." Tori said looking up from her phone. "Um, maybe we should just grab lunch at the cafe? Finish unpacking and stuff...get some takeout?" She said nervously.
"Why? We can do that for dinner, plus Scott can't eat alone" I let out a laugh before catching on.
"I'm sorry Als, I honestly had no idea he would be here already….or that Scott would invite him" She mumbled the last part.
"It's fine, I'm going to have to face the music sometime and I mean it's not like we hate each other….the exact opposite actually" I trailed off.
We walked in almost silence the rest of the 2 minutes before finally approaching Five Guys, I easily spotted the familiar blonde mop in the corner at a table for four, facing the wall. Scott spotted us and started waving like a lunatic and Tori pulled me aside opposed to just going over.
"Last chance, we can make a clean run, right now, it's now or never" She said, trying to be supportive as usual.
I shook my head, "Tori that's ridiculous. I told you we are civil, do I wish we weren't meeting like this? Yes. But maybe it's better that it's in a public setting with you guys there?" I shrugged and walked away.
She quickly followed and gave me a reassuring hand squeeze as we got closer and my heartbeat picked up. The world seemed to slow as we got closer, Scotts eyes lit up looking at Tori and Austin turned around. Our eyes instantly connected like magnets and old times. I felt my heart jump out of my chest as they were even brighter then I remembered. Scott got up and hugged Tori and the world returned to full speed again as I stood there awkwardly.
"We were going to wait to order but Austin suggested we just order for you guys." Scott smiled, nervously.
"Um..sure but how did you know what we wanted?" Tori asked, pointing her glare at Austin.
"Well-" Scott started.
"Ally and I went here a few times back home and Scott knows you better than the back of his hand." Austin finished.
I felt my heart stop when he said my name, it sounded so good coming off his lips and even though he said it so effortly I knew it wasn't the same as before...it was my full name not 'Als'. And before any of us could say another word they called Austin's name and he got up to pick up the trays. Scott tried to follow but Tori yanked him back.
"Seriously? You knew this was going to happen!" Tori accused him in a whisper-yell as I went to take my seat.
"I swear I didn't! He just showed up in the room like 15 minutes after I got there and I couldn't not invite him!" He yelped as she huffed and released her death grip.
"Guys, seriously it's fine. Can we please just act normal? For my sake?" I begged and they nodded before sitting down as Austin showed up with two trays.
"Here we go" He said, smiling.
To a normal person he would seem calm, cool, and collected. That smile would be genuine and he would be totally 'chill'. But I was not just some person passing by, not even our friends could read him like I could. I noticed his change of breathing when he approached, the shock that occurred when our hands brushed against each others. I sensed his heartbeat pick up as he sat next to me. I saw the panic and nervousness in his eyes. All these things I learned to pick up on being as close to him as I was. Keyword 'was'...now I felt like he was a stranger with similar tendencies.
"So how was your summer Austin?" Scott asked and then flinched as Tori kicked him under the table.
He swallowed his burger as I suddenly lost interest in mine. "It was ok, didn't really do much except some family trips to the lake and getting a job mowing lawns with my uncles company."
How can he seem so cool saying all this, did he not remember the promise he made to me? The promise to come back? To avoid this awkwardness...to talk...to rekindle before college? Did he not love me anymore, was that it? Did he fall out of love with me, the same way I fell in love with him? Rapid freefall over a summer.
"How about you guys..do anything fun?" He asked, almost stuttering...almost.
"Not really. We all got jobs and worked our asses off. I got employee of the month last month and a secured job when I came back home on breaks and stuff." Scott said with a full mouth.
"I got a job at H&M and they actually might hire me on the design team when I graduate!" Tori cut in, seeming to forget the fact she hated Austin right now.
"That's great Tor" I flinched as he said her nickname. I don't know why since we all call her that but hearing him call me Ally early hurt..a lot.
"Ally?" I felt my heart stop and all the blood drain from my face.
"Um.. will you excuse me? I don't feel so well." I rushed out of my seat and into the bathroom.
I ran into a stall just in time to spill my lunch into the toilet. I felt someone hold back my hair and was thankful that Tori followed me even if she knew I would have objected given the chance. After I had nothing left I sat down against the wall of the stall and buried my face in my hands.
"Al, it's going to be ok" She comforted.
I lifted my head. "Is it?" I questioned through my tears.
"Come on lets get you out of this germ factory." She helped me up and started towards the door.
I quickly protested. "No! I can't go out there looking like this. I can't show him he has this control over me. Do you have your purse?" I asked.
She handed it over and I began to apply makeup, a rarity on my face. After my face was fixed up I held my head high and continued to follow Tori back to the table. Before we got there she stopped me again.
"Do you just want to go? Make up some lame excuse?"
Instead of doing the 'right' thing of denying I found myself nodding weakly. As we approached the table I noticed Austin looked a bit uncomfortable and antsy. As soon as we got to the table his eyes met mine with a concerned look only I could recognize. He searched my eyes for a second before I ripped my eyes away and grabbed my wallet off the table.
"We need to finish unpacking and Ally here isn't feeling too good, probably that stomach bug that was going around back home or maybe from someone on the plane, either way we are going to head back to the dorm. See you guys later?" She smiled at Scott, sending him his own message as I checked for my phone in my back pocket.
"Do you guys need help unpacking?" Austin asked. "Because Scott finished before we came, and I only have a few things." He smiled at me nervously. "And if Als isn't feeling good maybe you could use the help"
There it was, my nickname. He didn't forget, maybe he was just nervous...or it was a slip up because I was sick. I felt a lump form in my throat and nudged Tori to speed this up.
"No we are good. We are probably just gonna stay in tonight, get some takeout maybe watch a couple movies." She said, as politely as she could, being the protective girl she was.
"Ok..compromise? We will bring over some takeout so you guys don't have to go out again and I have the new X-Men movie on DVD so I can bring that for you guys too" He smiled again, damn he was stubborn.
Tori looked over to me and I shrugged. "Fine." She almost mumbled and kissed Scott on the cheek. "See you later"
"Love you" He called as we started to walk away.
"Love you too" She said over her shoulder.
As soon as we were outside I turned to Tori. "Why does he have to be so stubborn? Like can't he take a hint?" I ranted.
She shrugged. "Well..maybe he just wants to be around you? Or make sure you're ok since we did say you were sick."
I shook my head. "No he wants something. Probably wants to talk..break it to me that he's moved on"
She stopped me "I can assure you that is not it. He couldn't take his eyes off you the entire lunch. He kept sneaking glances and shifting in his chair nervously. And when you ran off he practically jumped out of his chair...luckily I was faster than him." She smirked.
"Yeah, luckily" I mumbled, dreading what would have happened if he showed up instead.
"How are you feeling now?" Tori asked, folding the last of her clothes and putting them away.
"Fine, I think it was just all too much and he was just so cool with it all. It kind of really hurt, you know?"
"Yeah, but I could tell it was all a front" She said confidently.
"When are they coming?" I asked, looking in the mirror for the second time today.
"They said they were leaving to get the pizza 15 minutes ago so they'll probably be here any second."
I let out a sigh, I was still wearing my jeans and tank but now I had on a pair of black socks as my feet got cold due to the air conditioning. I fixed my hair before walking away and helping Tori with the PS3.
"I can't believe your dad gave us this tv" She exclaimed as we looked at the flat screen that was sitting on top of the tv stand.
"Yeah, it's nice and it was in my room so it's not like anyone would be using it." I said, plugging the last cord from the PS3 into the tv. "And now we can watch netflix whenever we want because your parents gave us this playstation" I smiled.
She nodded as there was a knock on the door. My eyes widened as she squeezed my shoulder.
"You'll be fine and if any point it's too much I'll just kick them out" She winked before going over to the door.
I sat down on the small couch and brought my knees up to my chest. Just as Tori opened the door I pulled out my phone and started to randomly look at twitter to avoid sitting there awkwardly. Austin and Scott came in and Scott placed the two pizzas on the table.
"Sorry we're late, Austin insisted on stopping for soup on the way." He complained, plopped down on one of the bean bag chairs.
"Why-" I started but my question was answered as Austin walked over and placed the soup in front of me.
"I know you love soup when you're sick...so I thought I would get you some."
"Chicken Noodle?" I questioned.
"What else?" He weakly laughed.
"Thanks" I offered before taking some.
As Tori walked back over with four waters she passed them out and sat next to Scott on the floor. Leaving Austin to sit next to me on the couch.. after he popped in the X-Men DVD. Everyone helped themselves to pizza including me, after I had some of the soup to not totally hurt his feelings.
After more than half of the movie Scott and Tori went for a 'walk' after I silently battled her with my eyes, telling her it was fine. They deserved some alone time and I was tired of being the third wheel.
Austin and I sat in comfortable silence until the movie ended and it became awkward. The screen went to the credits, offering little light to the dark room. I kept my eyes on the screen, as I noticed Austin look over to me.
"Ally" He started and I flinched. "Please?" He knew that I knew very well what he was going to ask. I didn't respond just nodded. "How was your summer?" He asked, blindsiding me.
I scoffed and let out a bitter laugh. "Just fine. Thanks for asking."
"Als-"
"Don't you dare 'Als' me. You don't get to do that, not anymore. Not after you abandoned me, after you promised not to" I shook my head and looked down at my hands.
"I never meant to hurt you Ally. I had to-"
"I know! You had to do what was best for you, well what about me Austin? Isn't love putting someones needs before your own?" I asked, knowing that's why I let him go.
"If I stayed...I would have shut down completely. I would...I could have done something..something life changing" I knew what he was talking about.
"Austin? Are you suicidal?" My voice lowered to a whisper.
"No! I just needed to heal, and that's what I did. I'm not going to lie I had thoughts but then I remembered what I would be leaving behind and knew I could never hurt you like that."
I got up from the couch, my heart breaking with every second that past. I could not think about life without Austin and I was beginning to feel the walls closing in. My breathing started to pick up along with my heart. I can't lose him, I can't. I won't. I needed air though..this was too much. The thought of losing him was too much.
"You don't have to be like that" He said getting up.
I listened to my mind over my heart and made a beeline for the door. Only for Austin to race over and stop my hand from turning the door knob, his hand covering mine.
"Please stay." He asked, more like pleaded.
"Why should I?" I asked, feeling a lump forming in my throat again.
"Because..I still love you."
Ehh? Ehh? So what do you think!? I promised drama and believe me I will be delivering, such a heartbreaking chapter for me to write because I would love to just have them get back together with one touching confession but we all know that's not realistic. And I want to hear what you guys think. Was Austin right to go to heal? Or should he have stayed by Ally's side? And is Ally wrong for being angry at him for wanting to fully heal? Let me know what you think and if I should continue. Hope you all loved it, thank you to all of my readers and followers and reviewers for your continued support and here's to another amazing ride! XOXOX
