DAY 4

Ally's POV

"Okay, you guys got the plan?" I ask after explaining it a third time. "Yup." Dallas and Cassidy both say nodding their head. "Good." I reply with a smile and hands on my hips. "He just better appreciate it after all this you're going through." Cassidy said. "He will." I tell her. "Yeah, trust me. Once Austin sees all the hot girls there, he'll be kissing your feet for the rest of the week, Ally." He said making me laugh while I went to my room.

I take off my shirt getting ready to change into my scrub shirt to head to Austin's when there's a knock on the door. I go to open it when I am face to face with Austin who widens his eyes. I fury my eyebrows confused at what's so shocking then I realize what's he staring at. I look down to see myself in my bra which I completely forgot about.

"Oh my god!" I said slamming the door in his face and throwing my scrub shirt on and putting my ID on it.

I sigh embarrassed opening the door when of course I am faced again with a smirking Austin. "Hey sexy." He says as I roll my eyes. "What do you want?" I asked folding my arms against my chest. "Oh, you know." He said biting his lip checking me out.

"Stop that! You were not suppose to see anything."

"You know Dawson, I didn't know you had such a rack."

"Okay, you are sexually harassing me."

"You love it."

"I hate it."

"Whatever."

"Why are you here?"

"Isn't our session right now?"

"Yeah, but why did you come to me? And why are you early?"

"Well, I figured we could get out in the yard before everybody else. It's certain seats I like that are in the shade. Especially because Leonard has been stealing it for the past two weeks and I'm pretty sure has been farting in it." He says making me laugh.

"In that case, why sit in it?"

"The smell goes away Ally."

"Whatever. Let's go then." I said as we walked down the hallway to the door leading us out.

We sit in chairs across from each other as I open my book. "Alright, this week all the advisers are gonna be given sleeping machines that the patients are gonna sleep with for the past week." I tell him.

"What? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Language, please. It's an experiment that was added to the program. Apparently..." I trail off looking in the file. "It helps with dealing with withdraw from the addiction. It sounds helpful." I said with a small smile.

"It sounds like a deathtrap. I'm not gonna have a freaking breathing machine attached to my face like some animal."

"Austin, will you stop making everything so personal? Everyone is gonna be doing it."

"Are you?"

"You know I'm not. I'm not a patient."

"Then I'm not."

"Making everything difficult as usual. We will leave this topic alone for a while but it's not over." I told him as he through his head back and groaned as I put the book back in my bag.

"So, today is a shorter session than usual but we're going to go over alcoholic breakdowns. Any memory of them?" I asked calmly as he looked at me.

"Of an alcoholic breakdown?" He asked as I nodded as he looked like he was thinking.

"Yeah. I think my first one was at a party. It was the first time I got really drunk and I beat up on this guy for staring at my girlfriend at the time." He admitted as I listened.

"When you became sober, what was your reaction?"

"My reaction? Nothing."

"Really? You didn't feel stunned at what you did?"

"No."

"Well, did you feel bad for the guy?"

"No. He got what he deserved. He was looking at another guy's girl."

"What if he didn't know she was yours?"

"Everyone knew."

"Okay, even if he didn't it doesn't excuse what you did. You were wrong."

"How?"

"Humans have eyes, Austin. They can choose what to do with them."

"Not if it's disrespecting somebody."

"So, you felt disrespected."

"That's literally what I just said."

"Do you feel like you would have beat that guy up if you weren't drunk?" I asked as he thought about it.

"Yeah."

"Okay, but would you have beat him that badly?"

"Probably not. I think I would have punched him just once. A good one though."

"So, you know alcohol brings the worst out in you?"

"I guess. But I also don't care."

"Why?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know or...you don't want to talk about?" I asked as he stared at me knowing that I was on to him.

"I don't wanna do this anymore."

"Okay fine. Just don't walk away. Not this time." I say lowly with my hand over his as he looks me in my eyes. "Tell me something good." I say as he gets confused.

"What?"

"Tell me something good about your life. Like a great childhood memory." I say as he pulls his hand away from mine looking away.

"I don't have good childhood memories."

"I don't believe that. Everyone has at least one. Even if it was only 30 seconds." I say as I see him get more uncomfortable by the conversation. "Okay, I'll go first. I'll tell you something about mine." I explain as he doesn't say anything.

"When I was younger, my dad use to always take me to the beach. I hated it so much because I was always so skinny and insecure about it. My body took forever to grow in and plus I was like this super nerd."

"I believe it." He said with a sly smile as I give him a look. "What? You're super hot now. But you being a good girl, I figure you were a nerd before. I'm not saying it's a bad thing but-"

"Anyway!" I said as he chuckled shutting up.

"The point is I hated it all the time. I didn't like the water or being around the people. But one day, he took me to this nearby ice cream shop and ordered this pepper mint swirl flavor ice cream for me and I fell in love with it. I was actually obsessed. After that, I loved going to the beach. It became me and my dad's bonding spot."

"But it was only because you liked the ice cream though?"

"Actually, no. I mean loving the ice cream motivated me to go there all the time, but it also put me in a good mood which made try things I didn't before. I interacted with people more, I didn't worry about my body because I was a kid and all that mattered was my dad and spending time with him. It was the best time of my life." I admitted smiling in a daze.

"You still close to your dad?" He asked lowly looking down. "My dad actually passed away." I said avoiding contact. "Wow. I didn't know that. Mines too. I know what it's like. Sorry." He said as I look up at him shocked. I mean I knew he had a step dad but I didn't think his real one was dead. "I'm sorry too." I told him as he nodded appreciated.

He looks like he's thinking about something. "You mind if I asked how he passed?" Austin asked looking me in my eyes as I think about it.

"Car accident when I was 14." I said with a shrug. "His whole life gone in a split second." I add shaking my head. I haven't talked about this in so long.

"Oh my god." Austin said in awe confusing me. "My dad died in a car accident too. I was 10 though." ?He admitted shockingly. "Who knew we would have something in common?" I said. "Too bad it's that." He said as I smiled again.

"Tell me your childhood memory now." I said placing my hand on his and this time he doesn't pull away from. "Okay...alright then. I um...my dad use to take me to this certain park in our neighborhood when I turned 6. We went there for years playing all kinds of sports. Football, basketball, soccer, and even lame golf." He said making me chuckle. "It was so many that I thought I would never be able to choose one. But I didn't care because we were never bored. It was the only time I remember being at complete peace in my life. I was free without knowing it." He said more to himself.

"You ever realized what you wanted to do?" I asked interested in the answer.

"I wanted to be a rock star. Still do." He said as I raise my eyebrows.

"What? Don't think I could?"

"Actually, I could totally see it. The leather jacket, nicely gelled hair and the bad boy attitude? You were born for it." I said making him laugh genuinely which shocked me a bit but I just smiled at him.

"I know it was meant to be an insult but thanks Dawson." He said with a wink laying back in his chair without a care in the world.

"So, what about you? Is this something you are pursuing?" He asked looking around as I shook my head. "Um surprisingly, no. As much as I love to help people, this is something that I wanted to do by myself because I wanted to make a difference but it also helps with my college credits so there's that." I explained.

"So, this is something that makes you look good?"

"Well, yeah but don't put it that way."

"I didn't mean too. So, what do you wanna do? Or do you not know yet?"

"I actually dabble in music as well." I trailed off as he opened his eyes a little stunned.

"Seriously? You Dawson?"

"Yes. I can sing a little." I said with a small smile as he did too impressed. "I gotta see one day."

"Maybe one day." I say as we look at each other.

"Well..." I say snapping out of it. "That childhood memory was beautiful. I'm happy you shared it with me. Thank you." I say as he nodded. "Our session is over." I said looking at the outside clock.

"Well, I'm hungry. Let's hit the cafeteria up."

"I'll meet you there in a second. I have to go somewhere first."

"Alright, cool." He said heading out.

When I head back in the building, I bump into Erica who laughs. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. My belly gets in the way all the time. I swear it's gonna suffocate someone someday." She said as I smiled. "I don't think so. You're almost due, right? How are you feeling?" I asked genuinely concerned. "I'm fine but a little nervous. My adviser doesn't help because he apparently has more hormones than me." She said making me chuckle. "I'm sorry. Well, if you ever need me, tell me and I'll come running." I told her honestly and she smiled hugging me. "Thanks, Ally. I'll see ya around." She said as I nodded and we went our different separates.

I go straight to Hahn's room and knock. She tells me to come in and I say hello sitting down. "I'm here to give you another report on Austin." I told her. "Okay. What was the discussion this week you worked on?" She asked taking off her glasses.

"It was on alcoholic breakdowns which he shockingly didn't fight me on. "He told me about his first one at a party which turned violent quickly. I noticed he has a very short temper. He seems to be triggered easily and I don't know what caused it or if it's natural." I explained as she listened. "But we talked about how he becomes much more violent when under the influence of alcohol and less in control of his actions." I added as she nodded.

"Very good. Anything else?"

"Well, I asked him to explain a good childhood memory which made him somewhat uncomfortable but I told him one of mines that I believe made him feel better because he opened up about his own. Oddly, both are good memories involve our dads." I said as she smiled a little.

"Yeah, Austin loved his dad. They were the closest before he passed." She said confusing me.

"Um, I'm sorry. You knew Austin before he came here?" I asked confused as she looks like she was caught red handed which confused me even more.

"Um, that's what his mother told me at least." She said as I nodded slowly still a little suspicious.

"Anyway, about Austin's party tonight. Dallas and Cassidy are on everything. The place is rented out for us and they are setting up the decorations." I told her. "What about the food and drinks?" She asked curious. "That's what I was gonna ask you. I know it's a lot since it's last minute but Dallas and Cassidy are gonna be so busy setting it up that I don't want to put too much on their plate." I explained. "It's fine. I got it. What do you kids like? Chips, soda?" She questioned. "Yeah, and for the main food, pizza is fine." I tell her as she nods.

"Alright. So, what's gonna be your excuse to get Austin out the building?"

"I was actually thinking that I tell him that you gave me permission to have one day on the town because it's his birthday and you'll feel bad that he won't get to really celebrate. Then I'll lore him into the club by telling him that we should check it out." I say as she looks at me in awe.

"Wow. You really thought this through."

"I just want it to be perfect."

"Maybe you should wonder why you want it to be so perfect. Why it matters so much to you."

"Austin thinks that all he'll ever be is a screw up. I know he won't. Screw ups are the past reflections of the redeemed. I know he'll be redeemed, because I'm gonna be there for him and I care about him."

"I know. You really care about him." She hinted as I sighed.

"It's not like that Doctor Hahn. I have a boyfriend."

"You're a smart enough girl to know that doesn't make a difference. Feelings are feelings and they will come if they want too." She said intelligently as I thought about it. "You're aware of his girlfriend, right?" I ask amused. "I am. I actually invited her to his party tonight." She admitted.

"That's ironic considering your motives."

"Look, his girlfriend is a nice girl. I invited her because they are together and they could spend time together but in the end they will last."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because I know my gran- Austin. I know Austin." She says as I sigh.

"He's a guy I'm helping. I want him to be my friend. Is that so bad?" I asked lowly. "Of course not, sweetie. Look, you are such a good girl Ally. That's why I don't want you to be so naive of your feelings and needs because one day you'll realize it but it'll too late." She said as I decided to not fight her on it anymore because it's pointless.

"Now, go take a nap before the party tonight. Cause I hear you young kids stay out really late." She said as I laughed waving bye going to my room.

Austin's POV

I sit in the cafeteria next to Dallas for the last 20 minutes and Ally still isn't here. "Where the hell is Ally? I thought she said it would be quick." I said to myself as Dallas turns to me. "Awe, Austin is missing Ally." He teased with a smirk as I rolled my eyes. "Shut up. No the hell I don't. I just know she's never late for anything." I defended. "Oh...so you're worried about her?" He asked with another smirk as I look at him pissed off. "Babe, leave him alone." Cassidy said sticking up for me. "Even if he's madly in love with Ally." She added with smile as her and Dallas laughed as I groaned getting up to leave when Ally enters.

"Hey guys. I'm gonna go get lunch." She said going up to the stand. "You sure you don't want to walk her bro?" Dallas said smartly.

"Dude, I seriously will punch you in face."

"Calm down, love bird." He said as I growled when Ally came up.

"Ally, you just saved my life." Dallas said with a chuckle as she sat down along with me confused.

"What do you mean?" She asked starting to eat her food.

"Nothing. Where were you?" I asked.

"Why?"

"Because I wanna know."

"Well you don't need to know."

"Why not?"

"Because it's none of your business. And before you say anything, it's different because I'm your boss."

"True." Cassidy budded in as I glared at her and she chuckled raising her arms.

"Well, don't take long again." I said eating my food as she looks at me strange as Dallas smirks to himself along with Cassidy.

"Well, anyway, unlike grumpy over here. How was you two day?" She asked both of them.

"It was fine. Leonard and I was so funny today, that's why I was upset it was cut short because of the off timing today."

"What made it so funny?" Dallas asked.

"He was talking about his younger days and how many ladies he had in his day. He said all the ladies wanted his package." She said as we all laughed including Ally who almost spit out her lemonade. "Ew. Gross." Ally said with a smile on her face.

"I know. But I couldn't help but enjoy the conversation. I thought the job would be boring when I got assigned with an old person but he keeps everything interesting all the time." She said as we still laughed at what she told us.

"Yeah, I bet." Dallas said shaking his head.

Ally's POV

We laughed about the Leonard story but during it, I can't help by Austin was so curious and upset that I was gone a little later than usual. Why would he care? Was he worried? No. No way. He doesn't care about me at all.

Oh my god, maybe he got a little hint about the party. What the hell?! How would he know? I swear if this spoiled after all my planning, I am so gonna be pissed. I don't know what's his problem but to be completely fair, I never do. I don't think I'll ever understand Austin Moon.

I hear the three of them laughing and I snap out of my daydream. "I was not that bad." Austin said sounding like he was defending himself with an amused expression on his face. "Dude, I could name at least 5 of those girls that night that almost killed you." Dallas said shaking his head. "Do it then." Austin challenged his best friend. "Fine. Cheryl, Layla, Connie, Brittany and Sophie." He said doing it as Austin stared at him before looking down embarrassed but with a sly smile as Cassidy giggled.

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked.

"Just Austin being man whore." Cassidy said with raised eyebrows.

"Shocker." I said sarcastically taking a sip of my drink.

"I'm not a man whore. A lot of girls just want me." He said shrugging.

"You are so modest." I said holding my heart sarcastically as he scoffed.

"Oh, don't be jealous, Ally. You can always get a turn." He winked as I rolled my eyes.

"I would never be jealous of being free from STD's which I'm sure you have by now." I said making Cassidy and Dallas laugh.

"I do not. I wrap it up. I'm not as dumb as you think."

"As your adviser, I'm suppose to lift you up. So yes, Austin. I agree." I said avoiding eye contact while they laughed more.

"I don't like you." He said finishing his food.

"I know." I say throwing away my food.

"Alright, I'm heading to my room. I want to get a good night's rest in because tomorrow is our first day off and break since being here and I wanna go out." Cassidy announced.

"Oh, good. I get to take you to an official date." Dallas said as she smiled kissing his cheek. "Gross." Austin said standing up. "See you later, man." Austin said fist pumping Dallas as we all went out separate ways.

Austin's POV

"Austin, you are not gonna believe this!" I look up to hear Ally say at my opened door.

"What?" I asked careless sitting up. "I got Hahn to agree to allow you out tonight." She said with a huge smile on her face.

"What? No way would she agree to that." I said shaking my head as she nodded excited.

"No, I'm serious. She caved in because it was your birthday and she said we can go in town for quite a bit." She told me as I widened my eyes standing up.

"Wait, so you're telling me I get to actually be out of this dump for a few hours?" I asked feeling my blood pump from hypertension and she nodded jumping up and down. "Yes, let's go." She said as I asked no more questions because I was too high in the fucking sky to come back down.

I grab my leather jacket since I'm already dressed for the day and then I put it on. It's only been 4 days in the disastrous place and I've already grown tired of it. I mean I have been here time and time again but I've never been trapped in her 24/7. Those were only just like 2 hour sessions then I could go home or back to college.

I head out with Ally and even though I feel outside when we have our outside sessions, this feels different. This feels like freedom. I notice how the parking lot looks a bit emptier than usual but I ignore it. I get in Ally's car on the passenger side. "I'm impressed Dawson. This car is pretty legit. Who got it for ya? Daddy?" I asked with a smirk as she fake smiled. "Ha. Ha. Very funny. Myself actually. I saved up since I was 12 because I knew one day I would wanna be riding in a fancy whip." She said as I chuckled in awe of her kid Ally's intelligence. "That's pretty awesome." I said as she pulled off while I turned on the radio.

I look out the window missing all the houses and buildings I never appreciated looking at before. I sigh with content before facing Ally.

"Dawson, this was really dope of you. I don't know how you pulled it off...but you did and I wanna say thanks." I said as she looked over at him smiled for a second before facing the road again.

"You shouldn't take that lightly either because I don't say that often or at all!" I told her to remind her so she wouldn't think I was going soft and she just laughed. "Yeah, I got it Austin." She replied as I see we arrive in the city as I see the shining light, bars, coffee shops and tattoo parlors.

"Man, I haven't had coffee in so long. Mind if we hit that place up?" I asked we both get out the car and she shrugs.

"Yeah sure. I don't mind. I'll be out here." She told me as we walked over to the place. "You don't want any?" I asked to make sure.

"No thanks. Not in the mood." She said as I nodded going in by myself.

Ally's POV

After I carefully watch Austin go in the coffee shop, I hurry up and get my phone out. I call Cassidy's number.

"Hello?"

"Cassidy, it's me. I'm with Austin right now and we just arrived in the city a couple of minutes ago. He's getting coffee right now. Are you guys ready?"

"Not... exactly..."

"What? What do you mean?"

"She means these immature friends of yours spent majority of the time making out instead of helping me with these decorations." Hahn said as she took the phone from her.

"I am so sorry Doctor Hahn." I hear Cassidy say in the background of the phone.

"You should be saying sorry to me Cass! How could you do this? You know how important this was for me." I said as she took the phone back. "I know! I promise it will be done in 20 minutes flat. It's gonna be amazing and you're gonna love it!" She said me as I sighed.

"20 minutes? How the hell am I gonna stalk him for 20 minutes Cassidy?"

"I don't know spark up a deep conversation."

"No, I don't feel like arguing with him."

"Well, then take him somewhere. It's the city, Als. There's a million things to do."

"Fine..." "20 minutes, I promise." She said before hanging up as Austin comes out the store.

"Sorry, long line." He said sipping it making a yum sound causing me to giggle. "Missed it huh?" I ask as he looks down at me. "You have no idea." He says before we start walking.

I look around trying to think of something to do that could pass the time when I spot a place. "You wanna know what I always wanted to do?" I ask out loud. "No, but I bet you're gonna tell me." He responds casually as I scoff before ignoring it. "Get my belly button pierced." I admit because it really was true and they are quick so that's a perfect way of passing the time. I get something I always wanted while working this out. Killing two birds with one stone.

"You? A belly piercing?" He asked shocked as we stopped. "Yeah, I always thought they were kind of sexy and on regular days I wear lots of crop tops so why not?" I say as with a daring smile as he raises his eyebrows looking at the tattoo parlor across the street.

"Wait, you wanna get it now?" He asked surprised as I nodded laughing. "Yeah, I do. Let's go!" I said running across as he followed and we entered when a big man with neck, arm and face piercing comes over to us.

"What can I get for you young fresh teens?" He asked with a smirk at our clean, ink free bodies.

"Do you guys do piercings here?"

"Yes, we do." "Well, I would love a stomach one."

"Okay, that's gonna be $30 Miss." He told me as I gave him three tens.

"I can't be you're actually doing this." Austin whispered in my ear. "It's really hot." He added as I rolled my eyes but not annoyed just amused at his flirting at anytime.

"You can head in the back with Shannon." He told me as Austin followed along and we went to a back room where a red headed older woman in her late 40's was messing with her equipment. "Go sit down, love." She said nicely as I did just a tab bit nervous.

"You gotta pull your shirt up." She told me as I did lifting it till under my boobs. "Duh." Austin said as I hit him and he laughed.

"It's cute when girls have their boyfriends for support."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Oh, well then. Could have fooled me." She said cleaning my tummy as Austin and I look at each other then quickly look away feeling awkward because we're both in relationships. Well, at least that's my reason feeling uncomfortable.

"I'm gonna put this needle through your belly button, you'll feel a little piercing but it should be over in a few seconds, okay?" She informed me as I started to sweat a bit getting more nervous by the second.

Austin starts to notice and surprisingly doesn't make of fun of me. He sighs annoyed and faces me. "Here. Hold my hand you big baby." He says grabbing my hand and holding me tightly. I laugh amused at his attitude and smile appreciated at the gesture. "Thanks, but I'm not giving birth. You don't have to do that." I told him as he raised his eyebrows. "Well, you can't see your face sunshine and God is telling me to help the fearful out." He says mocking as I chuckle hitting his shoulder.

"Okay, 1...2...3!" The woman sticking it through I groaned out loud feeling the pain as I squeezed Austin's hand hard for a while before it started to go away. "Wow. I can't believe that went through my belly button..." I said out of breath out loud. "Yup. Now let me just put the pierce on." She said putting it on both sides as I let go of Austin's hand. "Thank you. I felt more calmed holding a person's hand." I admitted as he laughed. "That scream didn't sound like it." He said as I blushed embarrassed while he looks down at my tummy at it.

"It's red but it'll heal. It looks nice, Dawson." He complimented.

"Thanks. I like it too." I reply thanking the woman before she gave me instructions for the next few weeks of cleaning it while it's healing.

Austin and I head out as I slowly put down my shirt not wanting it to rub against my new piercing. I really do love it though. I'm actually happy I needed time to stall because I got to do something I never had time for.

I look at the time on my phone and realize it's time. "Oh, you know what Austin? I heard about this club a few blocks away from here while you were getting coffee. You wanna check it out?" I offered nonchalantly. He raised his eyebrows now with a smirk. "Wow. Get Ally Dawson out for a day and she's a whole different person." He said amused at all the things I'm doing and suggesting.

"So?" I ignored his kind of insult. "Yeah, let's do it. Hopefully I can get lucky." He said as we got in the car. "It's been a while." He said talking about sex as I turned on the car and drove off.

"Don't you have a girlfriend?"

"Your point?"

"My point is pretty obvious."

"Look, I'm not really that commitment type."

"Then why have a girlfriend?"

"Because she's pretty hot and nice I guess."

"Then why would you hurt her?"

"It's not that I want too, but it's hard with all the women who throw themselves at me."

"It's hard to reject girls when you have someone you love in front of you?" I asked as he kept quiet.

"Oh...you don't love her...you're not in love with her." I say as he doesn't respond while I park in front of the club. "It's easy for you to have eyes for other girls because your heart is not with her. Okay, I understand if you don't feel that way but you should lead her on. Even if you don't feel that way about her, if you care about her even a little bit then you need to let go. Or you're are gonna ruin her for the next person." I told him lastly getting out as he comes to my side while we go to the front door.

"I didn't ask for a therapist." He said lowly because he knew that everything I said was right. "But you definitely need one baby boy." I say as we walk in and I let in front of me.

"Surprise!" We hear loudly as we enter and I smile widely as Austin has the most stunned but confused expression on his face. "Ally, what the hell is this?" He asked lowly in my ear as he he faked smile and waved to his friends and family. I turned him by his shoulders to me. "This, my patient. See what I did there? I said my patient instead of my friend? Cause you're my pati-" "Ally!" "Right! Oh, well this my patient is your 21st birthday party at the fanciest club in Miami!" I said with loudly as the crowd cheered and then he turned me around so we could talk in private.

"Look, I'm sorry I lied to you. I actually asked Doctor Hahn yesterday if I could do something for it and it took a lot of convincing but she eventually caved and we planned this in less than 24 hours." I admitted as he looked at me in awe but impressed. "I know...you told me you didn't want to celebrate your birthday but even if it doesn't mean anything to you, I think it does. I know it does and you should too." I said looking into his eyes as he smiles slightly as I blush a little because of the intensity.

"I just can't believe you did this before me. Even after the way I treat you." He said astonished. "I told you Austin. I see right through you. You put a hard front on but really you're a soft teddy bear." I said as he makes an angry face that a 5 year old child would have.

"Don't call me a teddy bear."

"Well, tonight you're not because you are gonna party hard and have fun with the people who care about you. One rule though. No alcohol. The bar is closed and the contenders were told in advanced to reject you because of you're addiction."

"Yeah, yeah. Can I go have fun now?"

"Yes." I say with a smile as he walks away before coming back and softly kissing my cheeks. "Thanks, Dawson." He said with a wink walking over to his friend who cheer his name and pat his back making me shake my head and chuckle.

"Ally...Dawson, is it?" I hear a gentle but older voice say as I turn around to a very pretty blonde woman. "Um, yes. Can I help you ma'am?" I asked and now looking at her confused as why she was here at this party for a 21 year old. How is she in relation to Austin? "No, but I'm Austin's mom and I wanted to introduce myself." She said extending her hand as my eyes widen. Oh my gosh. Of course. How could I be so stupid.

"Oh my god, hi. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said shaking it as she smiled sweetly. "I could say the same to you. Austin's grandmother called me the other day and told me about this event so I couldn't miss my son's 21st." She told me as I smiled but confused on how she found out from Austin's grandmother.

How would his grandmother know? Who's his grandmother? Oh, I'll just leave it alone. Doctor Hahn probably just passed the information to all his family and they just told everyone.

"Yeah, I was hoping he liked it. He kept telling me how much he didn't want to celebrate it but I'm stubborn so I obviously didn't listen." I replied as she laughed.

"I think he's glad you didn't." She said as we looked at him laughing it up with his friends as I smile.

"Yeah..." I said staring at him a bit.

"Ally?"

"Yeah?"

"No one has ever done something for my son before. I see young teenage girls drool all over him all the time but this was truly a nice gesture. I'm happy he's your patient. I can see you take good care of him and really care about him."

"Of course. I couldn't think of any other way. I see all of Austin's potential."

"It's nice for someone to say that besides me and his grandmother."

"I have to meet this grandmother." I said with a chuckle as she looks confused.

"You have. His grandmother is Do-"

"Ally!" I turn around when someone yells my name. "This punch is disgusting. Where's the alcohol?" My friend Kira asked that I invited to the party because she missed me so much.

I rolled my eyes facing back to Mrs. Moon who just laughed shaking her head at the young people. "Go, sweetie. Have fun with your friends." She encouraged me.

"Okay. It was so nice meeting you again." I said as she smiled. "The pleasures all mine." She replied as I smiled leaving off to my immature friend.

Austin's POV

"Dude, what is up?!" Dallas said patting my back as I go up to them. "A party apparently. Why the hell didn't you tell me?" I asked drinking some of the punch. "Because it was a surprise dummy!" He said smacking my head. "What the fuck, dude. It's his birthday." Ryan, my other friend added in. "Exactly. You can't abuse the party man." I said with a smirk looking at some of the hot girls here.

"Wow, I am definitely getting some tonight." I said as the guys shake their heads with laughs. "Yeah, I'm hoping from me." I hear a female voice say when I turn around to see my girlfriend Brooke with her two hands on her hips with raised eyebrows.

"Brooke?"

"That's my name, don't wear it out." She said with an attitude. Yeah, I'm in trouble.

"Dude, we'll be waaaaay over there." Ryan said patting my shoulder as he goes away with Dallas laughing. My grandmother comes up from behind Brooke afterwards.

"Look at the surprise I got you. I sent your beautiful girlfriend here." She said surprisingly.

"You did this?"

"She did." Brooke said.

"Your sweet grandma called me up and drove me down here to come see my boyfriend. Now imagine her disappoint if her grandson wasn't appreciative." She said smiling but throwing me a hint. "I am very appreciative. Thank you grandma." I said hugging her as I kissed her forehead.

"Of course, honey bear. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone." She said leaving as I pulled Brooke aside with a smile.

"I'm really happy you're here babe." I said wrapping my arms around her waist. "Really? Because it sounds like two seconds ago, you were looking for another girl to screw!" She said as I rolled my eyes.

"Maybe I was but you're here now and I'm not. You're the only one I see." I said as she looks at me disgusted.

"That's what I'm limited too? You won't cheat on me just because I'm here? What kind of bullshit is that?!"

"Oh my god, babe. I'm just horny. I'm a guy in his 20's. I think about sex a lot. I'm sorry if it bothers you!"

"It bothers me that you think about it with other women."

"I'm sorry. Will you forgive me? I promise I won't cheat on you for the remainder of our relationship." I said meaning it.

"The remainder of our relationship. It's ending?"

"I don't know but anything can happen. You and I both know that."

"Yeah, whatever..."

"So, what do you say? I mean today is my birthday and I don't wanna spend it fighting. I care about you and I want you by my side tonight." I say as she finally lets out a smile I've been waiting for. "Fine." She said as I smirked and leaned down and kissed her.

We make out for a while before I hear a few steps interrupt us. "May I get a word in with my son?" I head my mom say and my eyes light up missing her. "Mom!" I said hugging her tightly as she chuckled into my chest. "I missed you so much." I said closing my eyes taking her in even though it's only been 4 days. I know I'm not normally like that but my mom means the world to me. She's my everything. "You too, son. I can't believe my baby's turning 21." She said patting my cheeks as I smile at her.

"I'll give you two time to yourselves." Brooke offers as my mom stops us. "It's okay, we won't be long." My mom says as Brooke shook her head. "It's actually fine. I'm starving." She said making her way to the buffet as we laughed amused.

"So, I met the girl behind all this." She said suggesting to the party. "Yeah?" I asked with raised eyebrows sipping some more punch.

"Yup. She's quite amazing."

"She's all right." I said with a shrug and smile.

"Don't do that, Austin."

"Do what?"

"Do that thing where you like someone you push them away."

"That's not true. You're my mom and I don't push you away."

"That's different. I'm your mom."

"And she's my boss."

"But you don't see her that way."

"Okay...maybe in some ways she is...a friend I guess. But a really annoying, irritating and only sometimes cool one. Sometimes." I said as she laughed.

"Oh, you poor thing. My son's in love for the first time in his life." She said as I widen my eyes. "Mom, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend is 10 feet away." I said suggesting that I can't be in love with someone else.

"Brooke is a lovely girl...but she's not the one for you. I don't think you need a genius to tell you that." She said before hugging me again. "Now go have fun." She said as I nodded when what she said couldn't leave my mind.

Ally's POV

"The patient you did this party for is so freaking hot, Als. Can you set me up?" Kira said checking him out. "You want me to set you up with an alcoholic?" I question amused. "Oh, trust me I'll solve his problems." She said with a bit of her lip staring him down as I laughed.

"Well, too bad. He has a girlfriend. The one approaching him now." I said as we watch the girl kiss Austin. This is actually the first time I'm ever seen her. "Oh...well she's not even that cute." She said upset. "Okay, this definitely makes me wanna get a drink." She said sighing walking away as I chuckle at my friends failure.

I watch as Austin's girlfriend pulls him to the dance floor and I can see Austin resisting but instead of dancing they make out on the floor while laughing about something. They look happy. I wonder why he's not in love with her? She seems perfect. I sigh because watching them for some reason makes me feel down and I can't explain why.

Austin's POV

After making out with my girlfriend for a while, I head back to the table where my cake is. "It looks pretty good right? I'm gonna devour myself into it." Dallas says coming up next to me as I chuckle to myself before I remember something.

"Hey, man. I know we were cool earlier today but I wanna apologize for what I said yesterday. None of it was true and it was-"

"Already forgotten." He said as I looked at him.

"Look, man. Friends say stupid things all the time to each other that they don't mean. But me and you man we always come back from them. Since we were 10 dude!" He said I chuckled nodded my head agreeing.

"So we're good?" I asked as he pats my back. "Of course." He said when I notice Ally talking to her friend until her friend walks away.

I go over to her and she smiles. "Having fun, Mr. 21?" She asked. "Your rhymes get worst by the day Dawson." I said as she shrugged with a laugh sitting down in one of the bar chairs as I do as well.

"Why are you over here with your boss and not your cool friends?" She mocked as I smirked.

"Well, my friends wouldn't be here without you so..."

"That's true."

"Yeah. So, my mom told me you guys met."

"Yeah, we did. She's so smart, kind and pretty. I don't know how you two are related." She joked as I laughed holding my heart in a frantic manner. "I'm hurt. I'm very pretty." I said as she held my cheek. "Sure you are, Moon." She said as I smiled looking into her eyes as we sit in a close manner.

"Babe." I hear Brooke say as we pull apart quickly and she could tell there was something happening. "Um, you wanna go dance? Yeah, we should do that." I said kissing her cheek while she glares at Ally who looks really uncomfortable. I grab her hand and snatch her away fast. What the hell was that?

Ally's POV

Oh my god? What was that? I mean nothing was gonna happen. But we did state for quite a while with touching. Okay, I seriously need a drink. You have a boyfriend, Ally. You have a boyfriend. He would never do this to you.

"You okay? You seem like you saw a ghost?" A red headed guy said coming over to me. "No, I'm fine." I said trying to fix my face. "Really? Your sweat glands say other wise." He said with a smile even though I couldn't bring myself to do the same.

"Jason Clifford." He said shaking my hand. I could tell he was gay but I didn't care of course. "Hi. And you're related to Austin how? Friend or family?" I ask politely just wanting to know. "Oh neither. I'm just a nosy towns boy getting information."

"Information?"

"Yeah, on Austin of course."

"Why would you need information on Austin?" I ask as he looks at me strange.

"Uh, duh. He's headlines back in his town."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I said which is true but I'm guessing he's talking about the apparently 'horrible' thing that Austin did that I've heard some people talk about.

"How don't you know?"

"I'm not from here, Jason. So, I'm completely clueless on this towns gossip." I said shrugging my shoulders as he raises his eyebrows.

"Well, then. You don't know the real Austin Moon, honey." He told me folding his arms against his chest as I look confused. "Why? What did he do that was so bad?" I ask dying to know now because I'm sick of hearing about it without the story.

"Sweetheart...Austin Moon murdered his stepfather 6 months ago." He admitted to me as my eyes almost pop out of my head.

I open my mouth to reply but I am found utterly and completely speechless. "Mmm." He says shaking his head ashamed.

"Not who you thought he was huh? No wonder he's been in rehab since he was 16. He was probably drinking to hide his crazy side. That boy is a wild animal. I honestly don't know how you are around him 24/7. Me? I couldn't do it. I would be scared to slee-"

"Get out!" I finally scream shocking him. He looks at me strangely before walking out the club. He was just annoying the hell out of me. I'm trying to wrap my head around his and he's just yapping on.

I look at the guy I've only known for 4 days but felt like I've known a lifetime. How could I be so blind? I watch as he throws his head back in laughter and wonder how this is the same person who could murder someone else?

END OF CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.) Thoughts on A&A's session?
2.) How would you describe Austin & Ally's dynamic/relationship right now?
3.) What do you think about Ally finding out at the end?
4.) What was your favorite part/s?