Chapter 4

Well, it was 7:56 and I was a nervous wreck. I mean what did Austin have in mind when he said show them the real me? I am afraid of people. No, I am afraid to be in front of people.

The doorbell rang and I opened the door to see Austin leaning against the doorframe.

"Let's get started." He said with a grin as he grabbed my hand and led me to my room.

"Okay, so let's start with your hobbies. What are they?" He asked me as he sat down next to me on my couch.

"Uhh... Hobbies? I mean I like to read and I like watching sappy romance movies." I said pushing up my glasses.

"Okay, that's a good start. But do you have any talents? Do you play sports? Are you some sort of Russian Spy? Give me something." He said giving me a nod of encouragement.

"Well I don't know if you can call it a talent but I sing and write music." I said nervously.

"No way. Me too! We should sing together sometime." He said giving me the adorable half smile again. "So since you know how to sing, we should find someway to showcase that. I got it! We should perform in the talent show!" He announced with a little bit too much of excitement.

"Uh... No. I have major stage fright. I wouldn't even be able to sing in front of four people, let alone the entire school." I said while wanting to roll up into a ball of nothingness.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and gave my arm a squeeze. "C'mon, you have to break out of your shell. We'll start small. Okay, how about we make a video and post it on Instagram. That's pretty harmless right? It's just you and me singing into a camera for like 15 seconds."

"I don't know Austin. I mean the people at our school are pretty judgmental. They will judge me if I post anything." I said, sounding like a whiny little girl.

"Okay Ally, if we are going to be friends I am going to need to tell you that I am that person who takes risks. I need to take risks to keep my sanity. I take risks to see what would happen. I don't want to live my life in regret." He put his hand under my chin and made me turn my head towards him.

"Austin. I am afraid." I whispered.

"What are you so afraid of?" He asked with his face close to mine. He looked into my eyes and then at my lips. It seems like every time he is around me I think that he is going to kiss me.

"S-so many t-things." I stuttered as I looked into his eyes.

For a moment we just sat there, looking deeply into each others' eyes. His facial expression was different from his normal boyish smirk. He looked conflicted as if he were having some sort of internal battle.

Then the moment was broken when he leaned in and gave me a peck on the cheek. His lips lingered for a moment and then he unwrapped his arm from my shoulder and got up from the couch.

"Ally!" He almost shouted "Wait, what's your last name?"

"Dawson."

"Ally Dawson!" He shouted with the same enthusiasm. "We are going to sing that song and post it and people are going to love it. Or, they won't like it and you are not gonna care. You know why?"

"Why?" I said with slight hesitation.

"You are going to start taking risks." He said boldly. "Starting now."

He pulled me up from the couch and picked me up bridal style and carried me out of my room and down the stairs.

"Austin, put me down!" I squealed.

"Nope, sorry Ally. I have a job to take care of." He opened the front door and led me out of my house, carrying me towards his car.

"Austin... Where are you taking me?" I questioned.

"Gosh, Ally. Don't you trust me by now?"

"No, not really, considering that I barely know you because we met like two days ago!"

"Well, I promise I won't kidnap you. Maybe some other time." He winked at me and I smacked him on the arm.

"Don't you go planning on how you are going to murder me." I said crossing my arms.

"Oh I wouldn't murder you. I would just take you onto a deserted island and make you sing for me." He smiled as he set me down into the seat of his car.

I buckled my seat belt and he walked around to the drivers seat.

"Now can you tell me where we are going?" I asked nicely.

"We are going to the mall." He said with a smirk.

"The mall? On a school night?"

The mall is a popular social scene and I do not really like those kinds of situations...

"C'mon Ally. This is your first step in breaking out of your shell. We are going to walk around the mall and you are going to act like you own it."

"I don't think I can do this. I think I am going to be sick." I said, putting my hand over my stomach.

"Hey, it'll be okay. I'll be there with you the entire time." He said while grabbing my hand and intertwining our fingers. He placed our hands in his lap as he drove with one hand.

I smiled slightly at the sight of our hands. He rubbed his thumb in comforting circles around the back of my hand.

I can't believe that I have only know Austin for a few days. It seems like I have known him my entire life, but in reality... I know practically nothing about this guy. You know, other than the fact that he sings and is undeniably handsome.

We pulled into the mall parking lot and Austin squeezed my hand.

"So, are you ready for this?" He asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Oh boy, I am in for an interesting experience...

Okay guys. Two chapters in one day! I hope you liked them! Tell me what you think :) Thanks guys!

.band