Sorry for the late update! I've just had a pretty busy week and never got to this chapter! So here it is! Enjoy
(Ally's POV)
Other than Austin Moon bothering me the first day of school, the rest of the week went by pretty normal. I had a hidden talent for being invisible. Nobody spoke, looked, or made contact with me in the hallways and classrooms.
But as the day neared lunch, dread overtook my mind and body. People, contact, everywhere. Kids sat at tables and roamed the isle ways, not one seat open. Being an invisible, people didn't mind elbowing and shoving to get past me too.
As I got in line to pick up my french-fries, I rubbed my newly bruised shoulder ruefully. Man, do people at this school elbow for a sport? That hurt! I thought as I picked up the hot and salty fries. After extensive ketchup covering, I paid and moved out of line, only to run into another body. Red flashed, and I heard a screech fill the air.
"How…How dare you!" A ketchup-covered blond beauty snarled, removing her arm from a boy I now recognized as Austin. He smirked at me, seemingly finding amusement in the whole situation.
"I'm so sorry, I mean to-" I started to say, blushing madly. Smooth Allyson.
"You didn't mean too? You didn't mean too? You ran straight into me you idiot!" she snapped, eyes burning.
"I said I didn't mean too.." I muttered, looking down at my shoes to avoid looking into eyes that resembled Cassidy's in a way.
"Speak up you damn mute! Are you even smart enough to understand me? You are a nobody that no one cares about! And then you go and spill ketchup on something that costs probably more than you?" she shook her head slowly as if to emphasize her point. I looked around to see several other girls nodding their heads in agreement. With all the attention, her high-pitched voice slowly faded to the background. I could feel the ever-present blush threatening to emerge, and my hands became moist.
"Ugghhh!" the blond girl yelled, before grabbing my soda and spraying it all over me. It was so silent in the room, a pin drop could have been heard. Then a snort of laughter filled the corridor, and it was like fire to gasoline. Teens dropped what they were doing to point and laugh at me.
The blond girl smirked at me, and Austin just stared, mouth agape. I met his eyes before turning on my heel and running out of the lunch doors, my face streaked with tears.
(Austin's POV)
"You're a bitch." I muttered to Tilly, looking down at the girl with my eyes filled with disgust. Just moments ago, I watched as Tilly threw insult after insult at the shy Ally, not showing any mercy for spilling some ketchup on her dress.
"Austy, come on! She's a loser, and I was only defending myself, this dress is expensive! Hey, where are you going? I thought we had plans!" I had no idea we had plans, I thought she was asking me about homework!
I stormed out of the lunchroom, ignoring her protests. I had to find Ally.
(Ally's POV)
I found myself sitting against one of the lockers in the east hall, leaning my head on my knees and sniffling quietly.
Why can't I go unnoticed? I always draw attention to myself in one form or another, but it always ends up the same. Pain, pain, and more pain. I was hurt by a number of people, and all they left were scars. Not even ONE apology. Life sucks. I grunted to my inner thoughts in agreement. I will permanently live out my days as a cat lady.
I felt a presence outside the fort of my knees, and looked up to see Austin squatting extremely close. Close enough to make out the small golden flecks in his eyes. I cleared my throat, and he scooted his back to the lockers, his shoulder touching mine. I discreetly moved away so we had more distance between us, but he only moved closer. I sighed, knowing he would not give up. But you also don't mind the feeling of his shoulder touching yours.
Shut up brain.
"Why are you here?" I managed to utter, trying to get past my shock as to how he found me.
"Ally, you were just laughed at by the whole school, got soda sprayed on you, and didn't get to eat your paid-for fries! I had to make sure you were okay, and to also offer you a change of clothes, if you need them." He smiled softly at me, making sure to keep his voice low so I didn't start crying again.
"W-Why?" I asked with skepticism in my eyes. He let out a long sigh, leaning is head on the locker behind him. His voice rang out in the silent hallway, bouncing off the walls and all around me.
"Ally would you ever judge someone by the things they have done in the past, or by their reputation?" I wanted to say yes, but I know I couldn't. When I said I was friends with everybody, I meant everybody. They ranged from super popular to super geeky, but I always found something to talk to them about in school. I answered Austin with a simple shake of my head.
" So, since I'm popular would you automatically assume that I'm leading you into a trap to embarrass you?" This time it was my turn to sigh. The ever-present tingle I got whenever his eyes landed on me was in full swing.
" I swear Austin, you seem like a good guy. But I just have a really hard time trusting people recently. Especially popular people." He nodded his head, not pressing the subject.
"Well come on," Austin stood up, stretching his legs. "Those clothes aren't going to change themselves." He held out his hand to me, and against my own judgment, I took it, but released quickly when I stood up. We walked down the hallway in silence, until we got to Austin's locker. He then proceeded to pull 3 grocery bags full with articles of girls clothing and handed them to me.
Noticing my confused face, Austin chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his neck.
"If you are wondering where I got these… well sometimes girls forget their clothing in my car when we're done." Done doing… oh my god.
"Are you giving me the clothes of the girls you slept with?!" I practically yelled, dropping the bag. He chuckled sheepishly.
"I didn't sleep with all of them.." he trailed off, but I still got the picture and snorted in disgust.
" Well these are better than nothing." I announced, then picked up the bags walked into the girl's bathroom, which so happened to be right by Austin's locker. Oh the irony I thought whilst rolling my eyes.
After rummaging around in the clothing, I came to the conclusion that most of the girls Austin was with were sluts. I mean, the bag consisted of tight dresses, short skirts that didn't reach past my butt, and an intricate contraption I would call a shirt, but don't take my word for it. I finally decided on the most decent thing there, which was an extremely short white summer dress, would do. With tiny multicolored beads running across the neck and a matching belt, it was beautiful, but I could barley bend down without flashing someone.
I pushed the door to the bathroom open, and checked my watch, relieved to find I had five more minutes till lunch was over. As I handed the clothes to Austin, he let out a long and low whistle, trailing his eyes over my body slowly.
"Your legs look mighty fine in that dress Miss Dawson." The blond boy stated, trying and failing at a southern accent. I rolled my eyes at Austin's teen boy hormones, but my heart rate spiked at his words.
"Thanks Austin, you really helped me out today." I said quietly, my face burning. He gave me a nod, and something flashed in his eyes, but I couldn't tell what. He then jogged down the hallway to a group of kids, hiding him from my view.
Hope you enjoyed! I'll try to update soon