I plodded down the road my footsteps heavy and filled with dread of what was to come. I tried to make the walk longer even taking longer ways to get to the shop that mind you is very close to my very own home. I cursed Ron for putting the music shop so close to home. But as much as I like to think this wasn't Ron's fault it was mine if I had just held on to whatever was left of self-control I had I wouldn't be so wary of what was yet to come.

I was delirious my mouth was dry and my tongue felt like sand paper. My head throbbed just above my right eyebrow and more than once I had tripped on absolutely nothing if I didn't get a grip there was no way I would ever be able to step inside that music store and face one of my many fears.

I drawing closer to the store and I took deep breath I could do this they most likely won't get here till seven tonight so I can turn on some Ingrid Michelson and Priscilla Ahn and just relax till they get there everything will be fine.

I mean seriously what's the worst that could happen? In that thought I pushed open the store's doors with the long windows filled with cut outs of music artists I was forbidden to even talk about.

I walk inside the quiet building I looked around the room and realized what a mess it was. Black Friday was coming up and everyone was going to come here for our awesome prices for sure. Boxes beyond boxes were in little cluttered piles their brown cardboard surfaces blended in with each other making it look like a sea of brown cardboard. I sighed mentally tonight was going to be one heck of a night.

I started with the closest pile and reached inside to find it was filled with maracas and symbols. I tucked my hair behind my ears while I rubbed my hand together switching on my iPod. Oh yes a very long night indeed.

It took several trips to take the boxes back into the storage room where some of the instruments would be spending their days till someone found a nice musician to purchase them and hopefully play them to their intended use.

I completely forgot about the guys coming till a slow and heavy knock, knock came from the door. I paused for a second and I could hear shouting outside. I walk towards the door my eyebrows furrowed what was going on? I brought my ear to the outside of the door but before I even I had chance to hear anything the door swung open expectantly and shoved me to the ground where I lay groaning as I hit my tail bone on the hard wood floor. Nice going Ally!

I looked up to see both Austin and Dallas standing over me Austin pointed at me "See I told you she would be here it's not like she has actual friends to hang out with on the weekend!" his voice was cheerful yet the irony was clear in his voice. I notice Dallas standing behind him looking a bit hostile. He wore a young and reckless t-shirt and a pair of Jordan's with designer jeans. Austin's outfit is less expensive it's obvious by the ratty old Nike's and holey jeans that I obvious were not manufactured that way his shirt had stains here and there. They looked like the Prince and the Pauper. Dallas taking the prince and Austin very fittingly is the pauper.

Dallas rolled his eyes at Austin "Are you okay Ally?" his voice was much more sincere and under lined with a bit of worry and concern then Austin's uncaring too cool to be here expression.

I lay my mouth agape stuck in a trance for a few minutes before I shake my head and blink three times getting up on my feet with the help of Dallas and brush the invisible dust off my jeans. It was hard to find my voice but after clearing it several times I was okay to utter words of simplicity.

"Hello boys nice to see you."

They both nod and we stand in an awkward silence letting it's oh so pleasant visit accomplice us.

"So let's start with some basic stuff." They nod oddly quiet. I didn't expect a lot of Austin but I thought Dallas might have some sort of input.

I go over the basic customary rules of the store no eating inside no playing with the instruments and you must wear your name tag at all times.

"Any questions." I was answered by silence "Okay then let me show where everything is and all that jazz."

They follow me as I show them all the instruments show cased and where to find things once we get to the back room I tell them, "So did you know where you'll be working or do I have to tell you?"

They shook their heads in perfect unison and then stopped and glared at the other when they realized how symmetrical that was done.

I rolled my eyes at them "So Dallas you'll be working part time on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays cashier and customer service."

I turn to Austin "As unfortunate as it is I have the pleasure of working alongside you with cleaning and carrying in the new shipments."

Austin scoffs and says something under his breath I shoot him a small glare before turning Dallas.

"So do you have any questions." They both open the heads and I stop them before they say something "If you say no we can all go home and enjoy a good night's sleep." They both shut their mouths and I smile stepping around both of them.

I strapped on my jackets and tugged in the flaps of my hat. "Nice talking to you but I still have things at home to do so…" I point my head in the direction of the door and the both get the idea.

"Right thanks for the tour Alley." Dallas smiles on his ways out and asks if I want a ride home. As much as I would love to ride with Dallas I can't if my Ron sees the unknown car pull up he'll blow a gasket and I didn't want to be a burden so I declined the offer and watched him speed off into the cold night.

It was then that I realized I was alone with Austin Moon where anything could happen and no one would hear me. But I had to suck it up I cleared my throat "Aren't you going to?"

I look at him his fingers barely skimming the edge of the piano keys as he walks around the room like he owns it. His eyes are down cast looking at the dark exterior of the piano. He reminded me of a mother in law inspecting her daughter's new home and me the husband wrings his hands nervously in anticipation of her judgment and acceptance.

"So Alley I've been meaning to speak to you." His voice is serious but I can't help but strain my ears for any trace of cheekiness.

I try to find my voice which has somehow fled me at the moment "R-really?" my voice sounds uncertain and shaky in my own ears I clear my throat my stomach clenching at the moment we've all been waiting for.

"Mhmm I think you know what I'm talking about or shall I refresh your memory."

He takes my silence as a yes.

"You know no one has dared to ever talk back to me little know slap me." He continues "What do you think we should do about this."

He's closer know I can see his dark eyes with hazel specks sparkling with mischief. I shake my head and swallow. "I-I don't –k-k-know." My breathing is shallow and he's too close for comfort.

He steps back nodding as if satisfied with reaction.

"You're safe for now Dawson but don't get too comfortable I'll use you when I need you."

He walks out and I gasp for air. What just happened?

And when I lie in bed that night I can't help but think. I'm okay he didn't hurt me. Why?