Ally
Ally was having a nervous break down.
"C'mon Als. You said he didn't freak out, so why are you freaking out?" Trish shouted through the locked bathroom door.
"You didn't just release your biggest secret to the jerkiest person on Earth!" She shouted back.
She could hear Trish sigh. "Ally, you said you didn't exactly tell him. And even I know that jerkiest isn't even a real word." This time Ally sighed.
"Well ain't you cantakerous."
"And old Ally is back again," She heard her bestfriend mutter, which brought a smile up to Ally's lips. Then it fleeted away again, as she remembered Austin.
Oh Austin.
She was terrified, to say the least. The last person she had ever expected to get close to was Austin. But there was something about him. The emotion he had when he was writing that song... it broke Ally's heart. She had no idea that his past was so dark. She just wanted to comfort him, but that meant that he would have to fully open up to her, but she wasn't sure that she wanted that. Then she would have to open up to him...
"Um, Ally?" Trish's tone of voice had changed, causing Ally to listen. "You might want to come out."
"Trish if you think-"
"Austin's here."
Ally opened the stall door faster than lightening, trying to wipe her tears off her face. True enough, there was Austin Moon, standing in the middle of the girls bathroom at school. It was currently first period, so the bathroom was empty. Still, it was a risky move.
"Ally are you ok?" Austin's eyes widened at her tear stained face. She immediatley ran into his open arms. A week ago she would have laughed at herself, but there was a connection when they had written that song. There was no doubt about it. She knew that they both would comort the other when needed.
"Good to know I'm your bestfriend. Of course you come out for him," She heard Trish mutter, but Ally ignored it.
"What happened?" He whispered. She gave him one last hug, before letting go and stepping back. She shook her head.
"Nothing. Personal problems."
He looked like he totally didn't believe her, but he let it go, thankfully.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him. He gave her a lopsided smile.
"You weren't in History, so I figured either the world was ending, or something equally as drastic must have occured."
Ally afforded him a small smile. His smile seemed to falter for a moment.
"After our song... I just, I wanted to... you're ok?"
Ally laughed a bit at his flustered face, but gave him a small smile. "I'm... no one knows Austin. I'm just adjusting to the fact that you do."
He nodded. Trish cleared her throat. "I never thought I'd say this, but can we get back to class now?"
Ally laughed, but nodded. Maybe Austin caring about her wasn't so bad. It wasn't like he knew everything anyways. They all walked to class silently. Ally somewhat heard Trish fib to the teacher as to why the three of them were late, and the three of them took a seat in the back beside Austin's red-headed friend. He seemed to smirk at Austin, but Ally couldn't be sure.
She sat between Austin and Trish, who sat beside the red-head.
The entire class Austin and his buddy passed notes, and it must have been pretty deep stuff, because Austin scowled at the notes, or blushed. It amused Ally for a bit, before she decided to take out her journal and write for a bit.
Dear Journal
This week is gonna be a floozy. The weekend was interesting enough. I pretty much locked myself in my room the entre weekend, not eating anything. Not that I needed to of course. I made two new friends. Anna and Mia. They both are helping me with my weight problem. Mia encourages me to throw up if I eat to much. I was a little repelled at first, but it's actually quite a useful tactic. Anna is there for moral support. She is always helping me make sure that I don't eat in the first place. Thanks to the both of them, I lost five pounds this weekend! I'm still no where near thin, but they are helping. They're great friends. I even managed to evade a beating from my father. Maybe I should lock myself in my room more often. When I came into school this morning, I had a panic attack. I saw Austin. It's all good now, but at the time, I just couldn't help but think, What if? What if he started teasing me? What if he told everyone that I had a secret? I guess it all got to me. Thankfully everything turned out fine, and I am now sitting in history, listening to Trish bicker with a red head. Dez? I dunno his name, but I do know that they act like an old married couple. It's annoying, but kind of endearing. They totally like eachother, but knowing Trish, she'll deny it forever. Sometimes I wish I never had to grow up. Oh, if only Peter Pan was real. Then maybe I could fly away with him to Neverland and never have to worry about my problems ever again. Oh, how nice it was to dream. I need to go now journal. I feel Austin reading over my shoulder. I suppose I can't freak out at him anymore, because he's already touched you, so you can get used to him. Until next time ;)
Ally closed her journal, and sent a pointed look at Austin. He blushed a little in embarrassment, and gave her an apologetic smile. She rolled her eyes and nudged his side. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.
"Maybe Peter Pan is real." His breath was warm on her neck, and made her smile. She whispered back to him.
"Well, if he is, he certainly hasn't answered my wishes."
"Maybe he's waiting for the best time.". The sparkle in his eye suggested that he knew something she didn't, and it kind of bugged her. "Remind me in music, I wrote a song for the POV thingy, and I want to show you."
Ally rolled her eyes. "First off, thingy isn't a word, and second, I have a song that I want to show you as well."
"It's a date," He sent her a smile. Then he seemed to realize what he said, and his cheeks turned a furious red color as he started to stutter out an apology. A laugh escaped her lips.
"It's fine Austin. It was quite cute, actually.". He gave her a relieved smile.
The bell rang for lunch, and Ally gathered her books up. Austin followed, and they made their way to their lockers, which just so happened to be near each other. Ally reached up to open her lock, when Austin's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. He twisted it so that he could look at it, and even though she tried to pull away, he was too strong.
"Austin, please-"
"What are these, Ally?" He hissed, gesturing to the scars on her wrist that she forgot to cover up. She bit her lip, and wouldn't meet his eye.
"Reminders, Austin."
He was taken aback by her honesty, and his eyes softened in sympathy. "Ally, you shouldn't cut."
She gave him a cold glare. "Tell me something I don't know, won't you?"
He sighed, dropped her wrist, and ran a hand through his luscious blonde locks. He looked... agonized. He finally grabbed Alley's chin roughly, forcing her to look into his eyes. "rally," His voice was dangerously low, "Please. I can't loose you too."
It was her turn to be taken aback. He just looked so... miserable. She nodded slowly. "I can't loose you either," She whispered. Austin wrapped his arms around her waist, not caring about the stares coming from the students passing. Ally bit back her tears.
"Let's go to lunch," Austin finally suggested. Ally nodded numbly. They walked into the cafeteria together. Ally started to walk over to her usual seat by the trash can, but Austin grabbed her arm.
"Can you sit with me?"
Ally stared at him open mouthed. Then she nodded slowly. He smiled, and guided her over to the popular table. The entire cafeteria was silent as they watched the ordeal take place. Ally sat next to Austin and Trish, who had migrated that way once she saw her best friend over there. Trish and Dez were kicking each other under the table, sending each other murderous glances. They so like each other.
As Ally sat down, Cassidy made a face. As did Brooke and Tully. Ally gaged on the perfume overload. Dallas, Ethan, Elliot and Trent were just as bad with the axe.
"OMGG! Why did the nerd just sit within five meters of me?" Cassidy screeched dramatically. Ally rolled her eyes, while Austin frowned.
"She's my friend."
"WHAT?!" That rang out from the entire cafteria.
"She's my friend," Austin repeated in a dangerously low voice. No one challenged him again, and everyone went back to their own conversations. Trish leaned over and poked Alley's side.
"I told you we'd get away from the trash cans!" She smirked, while Ally rolled her eyes.
"So. Aus. Where'd you pick this one up?" Trent asked, biting into his sandwich. Austin's finger curled around his spoon tightly.
"We're music partners."
Everyone 'oh'ed in understanding. While they went back to their talk Bout prada and football, Austin turned to Ally.
"Why aren't you eating?"
Ally bit her lip. "I'm not hungry," she lied. Austin's frown deepened.
"Are you sure?"
Nope, she wanted to say, but Anna spoke for her. "I'm sure."
"Trying to loose wait over there, fatty?" Cassidy snickered. Austin swiveled on her.
"What did you call her?"
Cassidy rolled her eyes. "FATTY. Can't you tell? Look at her."
Ally turned red as she hunched over, not wanting Austin to see how fat she was. "Alley's skinnier than you." I turned to Austin as he said that, completely shocked. Cassidy and her minions squeal with indignation.
"She is not!"
"Uh, yeah she is. Look at this," He wrapped his hands around Cassidy's waist, his thumbs connecting, and a five inch gap there. Then he placed his hands on Alley's waist, in the same position, and his fingers were touching."
"Ooh, Cass just got burnt!" Ethan snickered. Cassidy gasped. Even Ally was a bit surprised.
The rest of lunch and the day was uneventful. Until the break. Ally walked to grab her music books for her last class, when Cassidy appeared beside her, all by herself.
"Come. Now," She hissed. Ally gulped. Hard. Then, steeling herself over, she followed Cassidy into the girls bathroom. As soon as she entered, she was met with a slap across the cheek.
She cupped her swollen face, tears starting to form.
"Stay away from Austin looser!" Cassidy growled. She kicked Alley's shin for good measure, before storming out of the bathroom. Ally waited five minutes to the bell, before walking to her next class.
She entered music late, and the teacher looked at her in alarm. "What happened to your face, Ms. Dawson?"
Ally took a shaky breath, then caught Cassidy's eye. She could see the warning there, as loud as day. "I fell. Clumsy me."
The teacher didn't really look like she believed that, but thankfully she let it go. She turned to the class, as Ally took her seat next to Austin.
"Now that everyone is here, We have a pop quiz today. I want you and your partner to perform one of the songs you have written Already to the class. We'll start with Cassidy and Dallas," Ms. Bennett chimed.
Ally had to suppress covering her ears. She had to admit, Cassidy's voice was good, as was Dallas', but the lyrics were horrible. As they got to the third verse about how hot they looked in everything, Austin leaned over to her.
"If we pretend that it's just you and me, will you be able to play?". Fear seized through Slob's veins as her father's words seared across her brain. She was about to shake her head no, when he grabbed her hand. It sent a warmth through her, causing her to nod.
Everyone went, most only having a couple verses done. When it was their turn, Austin pretty much carried Ally up, but he didn't complain and she didn't mind. They both took a seat at the beinch, Alley's entire body rigid. Why did she agree to this again? On yeah, because his eyes could make her melt faster than a chocolate bar on a sunny day.
Austin gave her one last squeeze, before he started to play the piano. Ally closed her eyes, and her hands immediately began to follow ensuite. As she played the keys, she relaxed, eventually forgetting that the class was there.
They sang the entire song perfectly, tears streaming their cheeks by the time they had finished. When they turned around, they were shocked to see everyone staring at them, their mouths forming o's. Ms. Bennett looked worried.
"Thank you for that amazing song, Austin and Ally. Can I see you two after class for a bit, please?". We nod, and then they ran off the stage.
"You were incredible Ally!" Austin hugged her. Ally blushed. "Thank you. You too."
"So, wanna her my song in your POV?" Before she could answer, Ms. Bennett came over.
"Austin, Ally. I was wondering if I could sit in on your work today," She asked timidly. Ally nodded, unsure of why the teacher would want to. Then she turned back to Austin who had already grabbed a guitar.
"OK, so this is how I believe your life must be you're going to need to help me with a few parts,"Hegaveher a sly smile, which she laughed at.
"Just play the song already," She rolled her eyes. He smiled, and started strumming the guitar.
Ally came to school today, every single hair in place
Put her pencils in a row,
Ally's got it in control
If only anybody knew what she's really going through
A perfect image but it's all pictures on a crooked wall
Like pictures on a crooked wall they never will be straight
She'll try to keep her world in line till something falls and breaks
How much can she take?
Austin stopped strumming. "That's all I have," He admits. Ally stared at him gratefully.
"That's beautiful, Austin."
He blushed, and she pulled the guitar over to her own lap. She quickly picked up his pattern, the continued singing from the heart as he scribbled down her words.
She goes home blinds are drawn
Sink is full, TV's on
Looks around mom's not there
Cat's curled up in daddy's chair
"How's that?" She asked him. He smiled wide.
"That's perfect! How about this?" He pulled the guitar from her hands.
Little brother is in his room
She tells him that dinner's soon
One girl trying to fix it all,
pictures on a crooked wall
The smile drops from her face as he sings about a little brother. She hadn't had one since that fatal night...
Like pictures on a crooked wall they never will be straight
She'll try to keep her world in line till something falls and breaks
How much can she take?
How much could she take? She wasn't sure, but she did know one thing, and that was that she was reaching her limit pretty soon.
With no foundation
How can she bear such a load
It would be too much for anyone to face alone
And she's so alone
Like pictures on a crooked wall they never will be straight
She'll try to keep her world in line till something falls and breaks
Like pictures on a crooked wall they never will be straight
She'll try to keep her world in line till something falls and breaks
And it's gonna fall and break
Jenny came to school today, every single hair in place
A perfect image but it's all pictures on a crooked wall.
"That was amazing," She breathed. It was crazy how well he already knew her, even though they didn't really know eachother, if that makes sense. He gave her a sad smile. They just had to look at eachother. Ally cleared her throat.
Let me show you what I came up for you, then we can work on a new song." They all migrated towards the piano, and Ally started to play the delecate notes by memory.
What is this life I've stumbled in to?
Where's it gonna take me?
Where's it gonna take you?
If life is a journey, then I know where I'll be
By the ocean, oh, that valley in the sea
But I don't think anyone's looking for me
Especially you
And if someone is looking, then who?
And it's amazing
How lost inside you feel
When you look fine on the outside
You're screaming, "Someone take the wheel!"
And it's amazing
Yeah, they think you've got it all
But it might just be a pebble
That's gonna make you fall
What is this story that tells me I'm fine?
It adds color to my pages
Like a sweet, little nursery rhyme
If I had the answers
Then I know where I'd be
By the ocean, oh, that valley in the sea
And it's amazing
How lost inside you feel
When you look fine on the outside
You're screaming, "Someone take the wheel!"
And it's amazing
Yeah, they think you've got it all
But it might just be a pebble
That's gonna make you fall away
Like summer fades to grey
And be honest babe
Cause it hurts so much to say
That I don't think anyone's looking for me
Especially you
And if someone is looking, then who?
And it's amazing
How lost inside you feel
When you look fine on the outside
You're screaming, "Someone take the wheel!"
And it's amazing
Yeah, they think you've got it all
But it might just be a pebble
That's gonna make you fall
That's gonna make you fall
That's gonna make you fall
Ally finished her performance with satisfaction. She had spent all weekend writing that when she wasn't freaking out. She just felt it portrayed the Austin she knew so well. He seemed perfect, but once you looked closer, you could see the cracks that he had tried so hard to hide.
She thought about his 'Wendy,' and how she broke his heart. And how he still seemed to care about her. And that song they had written, Welcome to my Life, had been the pebble that had shattered him.
"So... What do you think?" She asked quietly. Austin shook his head, and she could see the tears. She hugged him, and he immediately hugged her back.
"It was perfect too. Thank You."
She had no idea how long they sat like that for, before she pulled away first, giving him a sad smile.
"I want our next song to be in both of our POV's again. That worked so well last time."
He nodded, and they assumed their positions on the piano. She experimented with a couple notes, before she picked out a melody that she quite liked. Austin quickly added some chords. She wrote them out in her book, before singing the first thing that came to mind and wrote it down.
I remember the days
When I was a fairy princess
In my palace
Singing pretty little songs
And dancing along
Looked like tinkerbell
As far as I could tell
I was a prima ballerina
Sharing secrets with my teddy bear
I drew pictures of my dreams
And I wished one day
That's who I would be
Ally couldn't help but smile at her favourite memories. She give anything to go back to those simple days when everything was smiles and laughter. As she started to reminisct, Austin picked up the ball.
But I'm feeling lost
And I'm loosing sight
Tell me, where did that princess hide?
The smallest of smiles twitches on Austin's face as Ally started singing.
I'm not a little girl anymore
I'm grown up, trying to find my way
I'm changing fast
And I want to go back
To Neverland and fairytales,
Freckles and pig tails
Austin sang another line.
I'm trying to find who I am
Ally quickly butted in, thinking about her one wish. About the one person who could change her life. The one person she had begged and cried for on countless nights.
Can you hear me Peter Pan?
Austin seened a little thrown off by that line for some reason, but Ally ignored it, continuing despite the unsteady beat he was creating.
I thought life was a puzzle
I could put together easily
Without any pressure
But pieces are missing and the picture is changing
Too fast for me
Austin seemed to refocus, and took over singing again.
Tomorrow seems so far away
While everyone's telling me
What to do today
Austin's voice died out, but Ally quickly picked it back up again.
I'm confused and scared
I just want to rewind
But Captain Hook
Keeps stealing my time
But I'm feeling lost
And I'm loosing sight
Tell me Peter where did that Princess hide?
Austin came in for the rest of the chorus, his low voice complimenting her higher pitched one.
I'm not a little girl anymore
I'm grown up, trying to find my way
I'm changing fast
And I want to go back
To Neverland and Fairytales,
Freckles and Pig Tails
I'm trying to find who I am
Can you hear me Peter Pan?
Ally continued singing.
I realize that I can't stop time
So I'll keep Neverland
In my mind
Where I'll always be that little girl
I'll close my eyes and find my way
And I'll keep my sights,
On the second star to the right
But my fairy dust and hopes and dreams
I'll remember you and me
I'll find out who I am
Can you hear me Peter Pan?
Can you hear me Peter Pan?
Can you hear me Peter Pan?
Austin finished the music, and they both stared at the piano, slightly out of breath. Austin looked distraught, but Ally figured it was because this song had touched him too. But he did continue to send struggled glances towards he for some reason. She shrugged it off.
"Well, another great song Austin," She sighed as she marked the date in her book. Suddenly the bell went off. The two went to collect their things, when Ms. Bennet cleared her throat. Ally had completely forgot about Ms. Bennet's presence. She waited till everyone left before turning to Austin and Ally.
"Your guy's music is quite touching and deep. I just wanted to make sure that nothing was going on. I'm always here to talk if you need a pair of ears," She offered. They both nodded, and left the classroom quickly. Ally felt that was totally awkward, to say the least. Sudden;y Austin grabbed her wrist.
"Ally?"
She turned to him, an inquisitive look on her face. He bit his lip.
"Peter Pan is listening. And he wants to help. He jusy doesn't know how."
Ally smiled at Austin's attempt to help her. She shook her head. "It's alright Austin. I know that it's childish to believe in Peter Pan. I just need some relief, you know?"
He shook his head vigorously. "That's not what I mean. I mean, Peter Pan is real. And he cares about you. Alot."
Ally raised an eyebrow. he didn't seem to be lying, but he wasn't making much sense either. Austin suddenly locked eyes with her. He was distressed, agonized and scared. Emotions that mimicked Ally's own. But there was one thing in there that she trusted. His truth. His honesty.
"And how would you know that?" She asked, curious to say the least. The slightest of sighs, left his lips.
"Because I am Peter Pan."